The relationship between Netflix and the Meghan Markle-Prince Harry couple seems to be approaching a critical point, according to material published by Variety. Citing several industry insiders, the magazine describes the collaboration as one “far from a fairy tale”, marked by tensions, dissatisfaction and results below expectations.
According to Variety, Netflix representatives would have become increasingly frustrated with the direction of the projects made by the Dukes of Sussex, accusing a tendency to repeat the same story about the break with the royal family, presented in different forms. “The atmosphere in the company is: ‘We’re done,'” a source cited by Variety would have said, a fact that would suggest a cooling of the relationship.
However, the complaints would not stop there. The modest performances of some productions, such as “With Love, Meghan”, would have raised questions within the company, while the couple’s working style would have caused irritation in professional meetings. In addition, their company, Archewell Productions, has been criticized for poor communication with partners.
Another sensitive point would have been the decisions taken by the two outside of direct collaboration with Netflix. The interview given to Oprah Winfrey, as well as the release of the autobiographical volume Spare, would have been received with reservations, sources claiming that they affected the strategy of the platform and the impact of their own productions made together with the couple.
The Variety article also included controversial claims regarding the relationship with Netflix management, suggesting that CEO Ted Sarandos had become “the village” of the situation. However, both Netflix and representatives of the Dukes of Sussex have denied this information. Their lawyer, Michael J. Kump, described them as righteous “blatantly false”saying that Meghan communicates frequently with Ted Sarandos and that the professional relationship is a normal one.
Despite the initial success of the documentary “Harry & Meghan”, industry interest in the couple’s future projects would be waning. According to Variety, more and more producers and directors are avoiding collaboration, and several initiatives are said to have been abandoned before they took shape.
The publication also refers to Meghan’s personal style in the professional environment, described by some sources as dominant, an accusation rejected by her team, which believes that such characterizations are unfair and motivated by stereotypes. Other criticisms are about how it would handle feedback in online dating, but the explanation offered is about work-life balance.
In parallel, some of the couple’s recent projects seem to have lost momentum. The As Ever lifestyle brand and the show “With Love, Meghan” are cited as examples of initiatives that failed to generate the desired impact despite initial expectations.
