Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Netflix deal extension reportedly comes with a major caveat. Sources claim that the deal is more of a PR move than it is about finances. A Hollywood insider claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex won’t get paid if they don’t bring out “bombshells” on the streaming service. The couple is reportedly treating the new deal as a success, but insiders tell a different story altogether.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have work to do to if they want the Netflix deal to work out, says insider
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have their work cut out for them if they want their Netflix deal to work out, according to sources. Rob Shuter recently learned that the couple’s initial $100 million contract with the platform, signed in 2020, is over. Instead, the new “first look” agreement is one where payment will only be processed if the streaming giant likes their pitches.
An insider told Shuter that the renewed deal isn’t a “guaranteed check,” but a “face-saving exit strategy.” They claimed that Netflix is free to walk away if the couple isn’t able to deliver on their expectations. As per the sources, the Sussexes are free to experiment with different genres in their content. However, Netflix is looking for a big hit just like the pair’s controversial sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021.
An industry source added that the streaming service is underwhelmed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Productions lineup for this year. These include the second season of the Duchess of Sussex’s “With Love, Meghan,” a documentary on Uganda’s dancing troupe Masaka Kids, and a holiday special. The source said that the platform wanted “bombshells, not background noise.”
Irrespective of the lineup, the equation between Netflix and the royal couple has reportedly seen a shift. An insider told Shuter that the Sussexes are on “probation.” They continued, “This is their chance to prove they’re worth the bandwidth. If they can’t bring the drama, Netflix will move on.” It looks like the pair’s shows have to truly hit the mark going forward.
Originally reported by Varsha Narayanan on RealityTea.
