HBO Max’s animated series The Prince runs into criticism for parodying Prince George

HBO Max just got a royal addition to its list of shows with The Prince, a new animated series created and conceptualised by Gary Janetti. The Prince is a fictionalised series that chronicles the crests and troughs of Prince George of the British royal family. The Prince premiered on HBO Max on July 29. It was initially scheduled for a late spring debut this year, but the demise of Prince Philip in April postponed the release, as per a decision taken by the streaming service.

Shortly after its premiere, the series drew in backlash on social media, with sharp criticism directed at the team for parodying Prince George 8, and the interpretation of the child, as portrayed on the show. The director and lead actor have defended the series adding that the interpretation is only meant as ‘good fun, as a laugh meant to be silly and funny. Clearing the air that the show doesn’t intend to take pot-shots at Prince George, he has said that the plotline is ‘about George’s insane take on the world and his wanting to be a star.’

Orlando Bloom, who plays Prince George’s uncle, Prince Harry in the film, has also responded to the backlash, saying that he took on the role upon his wife Katy Perry’s insistence. Speaking to the Hollywood Reported, Bloom said that while he was not into poking fun at others normally, Janetti’s fictionalised take on Prince George was ‘clever, witty and affectionately done’, packed with some cool animation. ‘Who doesn’t love the Royal family?’, he added, highlighting the appeal of the subject matter itself.

Janetti got the germ of the series from his satirical Instagram posts, especially when his posts about Prince George went viral over the last few years. The Prince is headlined by Gary Janetti, in the titular role of Prince George. Sophie Turner, popular for The Dark Phoenix, plays George’s little sister, Princess Charlotte. British actress Frances de la Tour, who is most famous for playing Madame Maxime in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is cast as the regal matriarch Queen Elizabeth II. 

Condola Rashad essays the role of Meghan Markle. Iwan Rheon, best known for his turn in Game of Thrones, steps into the shoes of Prince William, George’s father. Lucy Punch stars as Duchess Kate, George’s mother and the Duchess of Cambridge. Dan Stevens has signed on to portray Prince Charles, George’s grandfather and Prince Philip, his late great-grandfather. Alan Cumming plays the only fictional character, Owen, George’s butler and only friend.