Nacho Fernández recently opened up in an interview about the highly anticipated Netflix documentary on polo, but instead of seizing the golden opportunity to promote the sport on a global platform, he veered off-script.
It all began when a female interviewer asked Nacho to provide some insight into the upcoming series. All he had to do was flash his charming smile and deliver a smooth, engaging soundbite. That would have given Netflix the PR boost they were counting on. Instead, Nacho took a more unconventional route. He launched into a rambling tirade about how there’s no such thing as bad press and seemed to embrace the idea of stirring up controversy.
While his carefree attitude might play well in some circles, corporate sponsors and Netflix executives likely broke into a cold sweat hearing the sport's poster boy seemingly downplay the project and label it a load of nonsense before it even premiered.
To make matters worse, Nacho's candid remarks potentially undermined the documentary’s chances of success. Netflix was relying on the show to elevate the sport of polo and perhaps attract new viewers. Instead, Nacho’s off-the-cuff remarks about loving attention, whether good or bad, raised eyebrows and cast a shadow over the documentary’s intentions. Not the kind of media-savvy move Netflix was hoping for from its leading figure.
In an attempt to salvage the moment, Nacho tried to steer the conversation back by emphasizing that the documentary focuses on the U.S. Open and not on Prince Harry, who, let’s face it, is the main reason people are tuning in. He stressed that the show would highlight the players and the sport itself. But downplaying Harry's involvement seems like a misstep. Polo isn’t exactly a sport with massive global appeal, so sidelining the one name that might draw viewers—Prince Harry—doesn’t seem like the smartest move.
The interview took an even more bizarre turn when Nacho came across as completely out of touch with the real-world issues people are currently facing. While many communities are grappling with hurricanes and natural disasters, Nacho was waxing lyrical about a game played by the wealthy, riding horses and hitting balls. The disconnect between his interview and the broader state of the world made the upcoming documentary seem even more irrelevant to most people's daily lives.
Insiders at Netflix were reportedly already unhappy with how the documentary was shaping up, and Nacho’s comments may have sealed its fate. The series was originally supposed to capitalize on Harry’s star power, but according to reports, it’s turned into the "Nacho show," with a heavy focus on Fernández and his polo circle. Unfortunately for Netflix, Nacho’s charm and good looks might not be enough to carry the series. One insider even mentioned that Nacho’s broken English and lack of mainstream appeal could be a major stumbling block in attracting a large audience.
For those hoping the documentary would be packed with royal drama and Harry-centric moments, it seems like they’re in for a disappointment. Instead of offering a glimpse into the life of a royal playing polo, the series reportedly provides a behind-the-scenes look at a niche sport led by a man who isn’t exactly known for his storytelling prowess.
With Netflix’s deal with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to expire soon, the streaming giant is desperate for a hit. Unfortunately, this documentary is shaping up to be a flop, and Nacho’s interview has only made matters worse. Instead of building anticipation, he may have single-handedly torpedoed the show’s chances of success, leaving a trail of frustrated executives in his wake.
