Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly hit a snag with Netflix, putting an upcoming project in jeopardy.
To recap, the Sussexes announced in August 2023 that their media company, Archwell Productions, would produce a movie based on Carley Fortune’s hit book Meet Me at the Lake. Netflix bought the rights to the novel, paying around $3 million. But in three years, there’s been no progress.
Meghan and Harry’s Netflix deal appears to be up in the air
Speaking to Page Six, a “well-placed” insider said that the project is still without a director and cast, which has left those in the industry “baffled.”
“Three years in development for a movie like this at Netflix isn’t good,” the source said.
Netflix has a first-look contract on the project, although it’s not known how long the Duke and Duchess‘ deal lasts. Nonetheless, in September, the pair announced they are also making an adaptation of Jasmine Guillory’s romantic novel, The Wedding Date. This, too, is still in development at Netflix.
“I don’t know how long this new deal is for,” the source said. “But if they don’t have anything to show soon, I can’t imagine it will be renewed.”
Harry and Meghan have so far had a bit of an up-and-down ride with the streaming platform. They initially negotiated an exclusive multi-million dollar contract with Netflix shortly after stepping back from life as senior working royals in 2020.
Following that, their tell-all Harry & Meghan documentary proved to be a smash hit for Netflix. On the flip side, Meghan’s lifestyle series – With Love, Meghan – has not yet been commissioned by Netflix for a third season amid falling ratings.
In line with their deal, the Sussexes recently offered their new documentary, Cookie Queen, to the platform. The movie, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival has not yet been bought by a distributor or streamer.
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