Meghan Markle will approach ‘Apple and Amazon’ to find new backer for her cartoon series ‘Pearl’

Meghan Markle is on the hunt for another broadcast giant to pick up her cartoon series which was axed by Netflix.

Pearl, the working title for the Duchess of Sussex’s TV show, was officially scrapped last week as part of a wave of cutbacks prompted by the streaming juggernaut’s drop in subscribers.

It then emerged yesterday that Meghan had wiped all references to the programme from her Archewell website.

But despite being dumped by Netflix, the 40-year-old and her production team do not see it as a fatal blow and are now said to be exploring other avenues.

Meghan and executive producer David Furnish –  Elton John’s husband – will pitch the concept to rival networks such as Apple and Amazon, according to the Sun.

A now-removed quote from Meghan about the series read: ‘Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life’s daily challenges’

She and husband Harry are permitted to sell on any products Netflix turns down under the terms of their contract with the streaming service. 

A source told the paper: ‘Meghan and Harry will not give up on taking Pearl to the screen.

‘They are determined to not let all the work and creative endeavours put into the idea simply fall away.

‘Netflix has a standard deal with them, typical in Hollywood, allowing them to pitch projects rejected by them to other outlets. This is common practice within TV circles in Hollywood.’

The couple are believed to have good relationships with other platforms, after the Duke appeared on a series about mental health with Apple, while the Duchess has voiced a wildlife documentary for Disney, which also has a global streaming service. 

Meghan and Prince Harry established Archewell Productions in the autumn of 2020 to create scripted series, docu-series, documentaries, features, and children’s programming.

Pearl was expected to be the first animated series created by the production company.

It was set to see a young girl inspired by Meghan – whose name means ‘pearl’ in Welsh – take on various social injustices, while highlighting the work of feminist icons.  

A now-removed quote from Meghan about the series read: ‘Like many girls her age, our heroine Pearl is on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to overcome life’s daily challenges.

‘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.’

Despite dropping Pearl, insiders claimed Netflix remains optimistic about the Archewell deal and has several projects planned, including a documentary series called Heart of Invictus, which follows the recent Invictus Games.

Netflix made several cuts in late April and early May, including dropping two other children’s shows and firing staff.

Meghan’s representatives have been approached for comment.