Meghan Markle may have already recently lent her talents to creating a sweet children’s book, but the Duchess isn’t resting on her laurels. Coming as part of her and her husband Prince Harry’s major, multi-year deal with Netflix, Markle is now set to executive produce a new animated series for children. Titled Pearl, the story will focus on a 12-year-old girl who “is inspired by a variety of influential women from history,” per a release from the streaming service.
“Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life’s daily challenges,” said Markle shared in a statement.
“I’m thrilled that Archewell Productions, partnered with the powerhouse platform of Netflix, and these incredible producers, will together bring you this new animated series, which celebrates extraordinary women throughout history. David Furnish and I have been eager to bring this special series to light, and I am delighted we are able to announce it today.”
Pearl will be one of a number of scripted series, docuseries, documentaries, features and children’s programming that the Sussexes will create through their Archewell foundation’s multi-year partnership with Netflix. Pearl will be the first animated production from Archewell, which previously announced their partnership with Netflix on a documentary series called Heart of Invictus.
Alongside Markle, the creative team set to bring Pearl to life includes a number of entertainment industry fixtures. Carolyn Soper (Tangled), David Furnish (Rocketman, Gnomeo & Juliet) and the Emmy-winning filmmaker duo Liz Garbus and Dan Cogan (Icarus, The Apollo) are joining Pearl as producers. Amanda Rynda (DC Super Hero Girls) is on board as showrunner and executive producer.
At this early stage, not much is known about the detailed plot or potential cast of Pearl. The series will weave fantasy and history together, according to Megan Casey, Netflix’s Director of Original Animation. “Pearl focuses on a young girl who learns to step into her own power when she embarks on a heroic adventure and meets important women from history along the way,” she said, per Deadline.
At yet, a release date for Pearl hasn’t been announced. That said, we’ll keep our eyes pearled for updates.