Netflix proposal Harry and Meghan decline, amid reports of significant 'downgrade' in their new agreement
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have extended their creative partnership with Netflix through their company Archewell Productions, inking a multi-year, first-look deal focusing on film and television projects. This new agreement follows the expiration of their original five-year deal, which began in 2020.
Under the revised deal, the Sussexes have multiple projects in development. One such project is a movie adaptation of the romance novel "Meet Me at the Lake," which they acquired in 2023. Other projects include a scripted TV show and several unscripted shows, all of which are in the early stages of development.
The new deal is reportedly worth less than the original $100 million offer, reflecting a possible shift due to mixed reception and performance of their previous releases. However, industry commentators suggest this is a typical adjustment based on content output and impact.
Netflix's Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria has expressed excitement about the continued partnership, stating that Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences. The streaming giant is looking forward to entertaining their members with more projects from Archewell Productions.
In addition to their film and television projects, the deal includes an expanded relationship around Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever. This partnership is expected to be a revenue generator for both parties, with products from the new As Ever line consistently selling out in record time.
Branding expert Doug Eldridge suggests that the deal might not be a home run, but it's not the strikeout critics might have been hoping for. He believes that the Sussexes still have the potential to create compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams stated that the new deal is a clear sign that the Sussexes are not A-listers, but their influence and ability to create engaging content continue to keep them in the spotlight.
In December, a holiday special, "With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration," will premiere, and Season 2 of Meghan Markle's lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan" will premiere later this month. Archewell is also set to produce two upcoming projects: "Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within," a documentary about children in the Masaka region of Uganda, and "Meet Me at the Lake," the movie adaptation.
Netflix will continue to back Archewell Productions, with funding reportedly covering staffing and office costs. The new deal does not specify the exact amount of funding, but it is expected to support the continued production of captivating and impactful content from Archewell Productions.
- The Sussexes, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are reportedly developing multiple film and television projects under their new multi-year deal with Netflix, following the expiration of their original five-year agreement.
- Apart from their film and TV ventures, the revised deal includes an expanded partnership with Meghan Markle's lifestyle brand, As Ever, which is anticipated to generate revenue for both parties.
- Celebrity and pop-culture observers suggest that despite the mixture of reception and performance of the Sussexes' previous releases, the influential duo still holds the potential to create content that resonates with their audience in the entertainment industry and pop-culture landscape.
