In a surprising turn of events, Argentine polo sensation Nacho Figueras has seemingly thrown Prince Harry under the proverbial bus during a recent interview regarding an upcoming Netflix documentary centered around the sport.
Instead of focusing on promoting polo, Figueras opted for a more candid and unscripted approach, leaving Netflix executives feeling quite uneasy as they gear up for the documentary’s December premiere.
With so much riding on this project, Figueras’ remarks could potentially jeopardize Harry’s already fragile standing in the entertainment industry.
Initially, there was considerable excitement surrounding Prince Harry’s venture into documentary filmmaking.
The Duke of Sussex, who has been immersed in the world of polo since he was a child, was expected to provide a fresh and insightful perspective in his new series aptly titled “Polo.”
However, recent reports suggest that Harry’s role may not be as prominent as fans had hoped.
Instead, the spotlight appears to have shifted to Figueras, often referred to as the David Beckham of polo, yet lacking the global allure that Harry and Meghan Markle bring to the table.
Netflix executives had high expectations for this project, which is part of the couple’s lucrative $100 million deal with the streaming giant.
Unfortunately, insiders have expressed their disappointment that the series seems to focus more on Figueras than on Harry, who was anticipated to be the main attraction for viewers.
One insider lamented, “For a show about a sport of kings, polo barely features any royalty.
It’s not the Harry Show; it’s the Nacho Show.”
During his recent interview, Figueras took the chance to speak openly about both the sport and his friendship with Harry.
However, rather than emphasizing the glamour and thrill associated with polo, he appeared to downplay Harry’s participation.
This could alienate the very audience Netflix hopes to engage, raising questions about Figueras’ intentions—was he trying to create some distance from the royal, perhaps sensing a decline in Harry’s star power?
The backlash from Figueras’ comments has been immediate and intense.
Netflix executives are reportedly frustrated and feeling the pressure, realizing they may have invested in a project that lacks the star appeal they were counting on.
With Harry’s limited presence in the documentary, the series risks being labeled a “nothing burger,” as one insider put it.
As the Sussexes’ Netflix deal approaches its expiration next year, the urgency for them to deliver a successful project has never been greater.
They’ve faced criticism for past endeavors, which have often been deemed lackluster.
As one Hollywood producer pointed out, aside from their documentary series that captured the drama of their royal exit, most of their other projects have failed to impress.
Ironically, polo, often dubbed the “sport of kings,” is now overshadowed by the very royal who was supposed to elevate its profile.
Figueras’ decision to stray from the script may have been an attempt to establish his own identity within the sport, but it inadvertently underscores Harry’s diminishing relevance in the public eye.
With the release date for the Netflix documentary fast approaching, all eyes are on how this royal debacle will unfold.