Mark Duplass-Created Coming-of-Age Series ‘Penelope’ Sets September Netflix Premiere

As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for offbeat tales and coming-of-age narratives, I find myself intrigued by the upcoming Netflix series, “Penelope.” The synopsis of this adventure, led by the promising Megan Stott, resonates deeply with my own youthful wanderlust. The concept of a young girl venturing into the wilderness to discover herself seems both daunting and captivating, reminiscent of my own tentative forays into adulthood.


The Duplass Brothers Production’s “Penelope,” a series about growing up, is scheduled to debut in the United States on September 24th, courtesy of Netflix.

In the leading role of this series is Megan Stott, known for her work in “Little Fires Everywhere.” According to the official description, Penelope is a 16-year-old girl who finds herself uncomfortable in her modern environment. She decides to abandon her life and family, venturing into the wilderness of Washington State. As she creates a new existence for herself, her experiences with survival and self-discovery intertwine in this emotional journey towards personal growth.

In addition to Stott, the ensemble also features Austin Abrams, known for his roles in “Euphoria” and “The Walking Dead,” as well as Krisha Fairchild, who has acted in the film “Krisha.”

Mark Duplass, known for his work on “The Morning Show” and “Togetherness,” teamed up with showrunner Mel Eslyn (from “Biosphere”) who heads Duplass Brothers Productions, to create the series. This production company independently funded “Penelope,” before bringing it to Netflix. The show represents a new direction for them, as they shift their focus towards independent television, a move inspired by the decline of Peak TV.

In a chat with EbMaster in March, prior to “Penelope” premiering on Netflix, Duplass shared their approach: producing several series without relying on financial backing from large studios, allowing them to maintain creative autonomy and global rights instead.

As a movie critic, I shared my enthusiasm for testing our film on your platform. If the trial proves fruitful and our content resonates with your audience, we stand to gain an extended licensing period, which is a win-win situation for both parties. Conversely, if the results aren’t as expected, rest assured that we’re not asking you to shoulder unnecessary risk. I have other territories lined up where I can market our film globally, ensuring our financial recovery in case this partnership doesn’t yield immediate success.

Thus, “Penelope” is currently set to premiere in the U.S. alone.

Netflix has previously ventured into acquiring independent TV productions, and here are some examples:

See images from “Penelope” above and below, alongside key art from Akiko Stehrenberger.

Mark Duplass-Created Coming-of-Age Series ‘Penelope’ Sets September Netflix Premiere

Mark Duplass-Created Coming-of-Age Series ‘Penelope’ Sets September Netflix Premiere
Mark Duplass-Created Coming-of-Age Series ‘Penelope’ Sets September Netflix Premiere
Mark Duplass-Created Coming-of-Age Series ‘Penelope’ Sets September Netflix Premiere

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2024-08-13 19:48