As the release date for Prince Harry‘s much-discussed polo documentary approaches, it seems the spotlight is shifting away from the Duke of Sussex and towards his friend, Argentine polo star Nacho Figueras.
Insiders are buzzing with concerns that Netflix is not thrilled about the project’s direction, which many are informally dubbing the “Nacho Show.”
This raises some serious questions about Harry’s ability to create content that truly captivates audiences, especially as his lucrative deal with the streaming giant inches closer to its expiration.
At a recent event, the Verve Clicquot Polo Classic, Figueras couldn’t hide his excitement about collaborating with Harry.
He described the experience as an “honor,” emphasizing that this project is more about Harry than himself.
However, this assertion feels more like a PR spin than an accurate depiction of the documentary’s focus.
Titled simply “Polo,” the film is set to debut in December, but early reports suggest that it primarily showcases Figueras, leaving Harry in a supporting role.
Netflix executives had high hopes for a glamorous showcase featuring Harry, especially given his polarizing status since stepping back from royal duties.
Instead, they find themselves with a series that lacks the royal charm they were banking on.
A Hollywood producer weighed in, stating that anyone expecting a show about polo made by Prince Harry would naturally assume he would take center stage.
The fact that he doesn’t is a major letdown for the streaming platform.
The documentary’s emphasis on Figueras raises eyebrows, particularly since polo isn’t exactly a mainstream sport.
Harry’s participation is a significant draw for viewers, and without him front and center, the series risks being labeled a “nothing burger,” as insiders have put it.
It’s perplexing that a show centered on a sport often associated with royalty would feature so little of it.
As one source pointed out, “For a show about a sport of kings, polo barely features any royalty.”
This shift in focus not only disappoints Netflix but also underscores Harry’s ongoing struggle to remain relevant in a media landscape obsessed with celebrity and drama.
His previous projects, including a much-anticipated docuseries about his life, haven’t ignited the public’s interest as he had hoped.
With the clock ticking down to the end of his Netflix contract, pressure is mounting for Harry to deliver something that could salvage both his reputation and financial backing.
While Figueras is well-known within the polo community, he lacks the broader appeal needed to attract a wider audience.
His charisma may charm a niche crowd, but it’s unlikely to capture the hearts of the masses in the same way Harry’s royal lineage might.
Moreover, insiders have noted that Figueras’s broken English and limited crossover appeal make him a questionable choice to lead a major Netflix production.
This decision to center the documentary around Figueras raises important questions about Harry’s vision for his post-royal career.
Is he so eager to uplift his friends that he’s lost sight of what originally made him a compelling figure?
The backlash from Netflix suggests that Harry may need to rethink his strategy if he wants to stay relevant in the entertainment industry.
With the Netflix deal set to expire next year, the stakes have never been higher for both Harry and Meghan Markle.
They are in desperate need of a hit to validate their initial $100 million contract with the streaming giant.
As one insider bluntly stated, “The Netflix deal expires next year, so the Sussexes need a big hit.”
The anticipation surrounding Harry’s documentary has quickly turned into skepticism.