Since the deal was inked in the late summer of 2020, the revered production company Archewell Productions, guided by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has actively been in the limelight, ushering in significant projects. Two main releases have surfaced on the Netflix platform so far, with several other prospects under development, or regrettably, axed. Today, we delve into an exciting new project christened ‘Bad Manners’, promising to be the inaugural live-action series sprouting from their comprehensive Netflix pact.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s brainchild has been the force behind the launch of two prominent projects currently available for Netflix subscribers. These include ‘Harry & Meghan’ and ‘Live to Lead’, both making a substantial impact. Following closely on the heels of these, they have their eyes set on their next venture titled ‘Heart of Invictus’. This expected to grace our screens this summer, promising more thrilling entertainment.
In a surprising turn of events, ‘Suits’, the drama series that skyrocketed Meghan Markle to fame, has been introduced to the Netflix US library, along with being available in other countries. This inclusion piques interest, hinting at the growing influence of the royal couple in the streaming giant’s catalog.
Come June 2023, the couple’s partnership with Spotify found itself under a glaring spotlight, as it wasn’t renewed. However, the royal pair’s alliance with Netflix seems secure, slated to persist till 2025, according to reports. This news arrives amidst revelations from The Wall Street Journal, pointing towards several scripted projects that Archewell Productions is currently brewing at Netflix.
Among the mentioned projects, a novel one titled ‘Bad Manners’ has piqued public interest. The origins of this series were initially whispered among close-knit sources earlier this year. Nevertheless, it’s still uncertain whether the streaming colossus has officially green-lit the series. Numerous attempts to procure comments from Netflix since April 2023 have yielded no response.
Delving deeper into the crux of ‘Bad Manners‘, this scripted series would mark the royal couple’s first venture into series production via their company for Netflix. It is anticipated to revolve around a character derived from the legendary Charles Dickens novel ‘Great Expectations’, first introduced to the world in 1861.
The series has been conceived as a prequel to the novel, rendering it a distinctive original narrative. It throws the spotlight on the character of Miss Havisham, a prominent figure from the novel.
Miss Havisham, in ‘Great Expectations’, is depicted as a peculiarly wealthy lady, spurned at the altar on her wedding day. She seeks revenge on men, fostering a deep grudge, and devises plans to shatter their hearts. Living with her adopted daughter, she presents a formidable and unique personality.
The Wall Street Journal delineates the prequel as follows:
“The prequel would recast the lonely spinster as a strong woman living in a patriarchal society,”
Insiders have provided us with intriguing descriptions, pitching the project as a tantalizing mix of ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Peaky Blinders’. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to fulfill the roles of producers for the series.
It is almost a certainty that Tracy Ryerson, the recent addition to Archewell as the head of scripted content, will play a significant role in this project. Her involvement adds to the allure and credibility of this undertaking.
Conclusion
‘Bad Manners‘ has already stirred the pot of curiosity among audiences worldwide, with anticipation building for this prequel spun around a character from a beloved Dickensian narrative. The collaborative venture of Archewell Productions and Netflix continues to keep us on the edge of our seats as they unveil creative content. Spearheaded by the influential duo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and backed by a dedicated team such as Tracy Ryerson, this project promises a refreshing perspective on a classic tale, highlighting the resilience of women in patriarchal societies. Only time will unravel the true potential and impact of this series. Until then, all eyes are on the horizon for the arrival of ‘Bad Manners’.
