Netflix’s partnership with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is teetering on the edge of collapse, signaling a stark shift from what was once celebrated as a groundbreaking deal.
Initially, this collaboration was heralded as a significant victory for both the streaming giant and the former royals. When Meghan and Harry inked their $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, the expectations were monumental. Netflix had anticipated a goldmine of intimate royal insights and behind-the-scenes revelations about the couple’s dramatic departure from royal life.
Executives at Netflix envisioned a series of explosive narratives that would captivate audiences worldwide, offering a rare glimpse into the causes of the couple’s discontent, their tense negotiations, and the formidable challenges they encountered within the British monarchy. However, the reality has fallen far short of these lofty expectations. Although the docu-series initially sparked considerable interest, it soon became clear that it was more of a complaint-filled airing of grievances than the groundbreaking exposé that many had anticipated. While the series did attract a large viewership eager to delve into the lives of the royal couple, it quickly lost steam. The juicy details that audiences craved were few and far between, and the show failed to maintain its momentum, leaving both viewers and critics disappointed.
Since the release of the docu-series, Meghan and Harry have struggled to produce content that resonates with a broad audience. Their once captivating lives have proven to be less intriguing than expected, and their creative pipeline has been noticeably barren. Planned projects, such as Meghan’s cooking show and Harry’s polo series, have failed to generate public enthusiasm. Industry insiders speculate that these upcoming shows are unlikely to perform any better than their previous ventures, further highlighting the couple’s dwindling appeal. Even Netflix, known for its diverse and experimental content, has found it challenging to identify compelling projects for the Sussexes to produce.
Adding to their difficulties, Meghan Markle has reportedly been passed over for a highly coveted role in an upcoming Netflix film. The former actress, who has been keen on reviving her acting career since stepping back from royal duties, suffered a significant setback after a face-to-face meeting with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. Sources indicate that Sarandos bluntly informed Markle that she was not the right fit for the role she was pursuing. This rejection is a considerable blow to Markle’s aspirations, particularly since she had previously enjoyed success with the television series “Suits.” She believed this Netflix opportunity could be a pivotal moment in her post-royal career. However, the rejection has left her feeling frustrated and humiliated, underscoring the difficulties of breaking into Hollywood despite her royal connections.
Recent reports from industry insiders, including Puck co-founder Matthew Belloni and entertainment reporter Leslie Goldberg, suggest that Netflix is unlikely to renew its deal with the Sussexes when it expires in 2025. According to Belloni and Goldberg, the couple’s deal with Netflix and their production company, Archewell Productions, is now regarded as one of the most disappointing of Hollywood’s Peak TV era. The inability to deliver impactful content has made it evident that the streaming giant may be growing weary of investing in a partnership that has yielded little return. If Netflix decides not to renew their contract, it would represent a significant blow to Meghan and Harry’s media ambitions. The loss of such a high-profile platform would not only eliminate a substantial source of income but also tarnish their public image. Once seen as poised to become major players in the media world, the couple now faces the daunting prospect of fading into obscurity.
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
