Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are rumoured to be working on a new scripted polo drama for Netflix, according to Deadline. The project is set in Wellington, Florida, and revolves around two rival families. This comes despite Harry's 2024 documentary Polo being a ratings flop, with only 500,000 views globally, according to major media reports citing 13 sources. The new drama project has raised questions about Netflix's commitment to the Sussexes, especially given the mixed performance of their previous content.
Insiders told Variety that Netflix is 'done' with Harry and Meghan, suggesting the streaming giant is moving on from the partnership. However, Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria denied claims of a dispute, saying they still have a relationship and projects in development. This contradiction is central to the story: it determines whether the partnership is effectively over or still ongoing. Readers need to weigh anonymous insider claims against an official denial from a Netflix executive.
I don’t think anyone is going to be killing themselves with an effort to work with them at this point.
Another Netflix insider said staff would not air grievances publicly but added, 'I don't think anyone is going to be killing themselves with an effort to work with them at this point.' This quote, reported by a wire service, underscores the apparent reluctance within Netflix to continue working with the couple. The insider's comment suggests a lack of enthusiasm, even if the company officially maintains a positive stance.
The dispute over Netflix's knowledge of the Sussexes' Oprah interview in March 2021 adds another layer of tension. Sources told Variety that Netflix was blindsided by the interview, which included explosive claims about the royal family. However, a Sussex spokesperson said it was 'categorically false' that Netflix was unaware of the interview. This contradiction affects the credibility of the Sussexes' relationship with Netflix. If Netflix was blindsided, it suggests a lack of trust; if not, the claim is a fabrication.
It was 'categorically false' that Netflix was unaware of the Oprah interview.
Allegations of difficult behaviour have also surfaced. According to Daily Express - Showbiz, royal expert Bronte Coy described Harry and Meghan as 'really difficult to work with.' Variety's Matt Donnelly added that top talent does not want to work with the couple because of the added scrutiny that comes with associating with them. These claims, if true, could explain why Netflix might be hesitant to invest further in projects with the Sussexes.
Netflix ended its partnership with Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever, according to major media reports citing seven sources. Additionally, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos unfollowed Meghan Markle and As Ever on Instagram, as reported by four major media outlets. A report on the Daily Expresso show claimed that Sarandos was warned by all 10 of his chiefs of staff not to do the $100 million deal with the Sussexes. Variety reported that Sarandos recently said he would not take a call with Meghan unless a lawyer was present, but a Netflix spokesperson said it was 'absolutely inaccurate' that Sarandos made that comment. These financial concerns and warnings suggest that the deal may have been risky from the start.
It was 'absolutely inaccurate' that Sarandos made that comment.
Commentator Tina Brown, speaking to Daily Express - Showbiz, described Harry and Meghan's revenue streams as 'starting to dry up' and suggested they need 'half-in, half-out' royal roles. This assessment, combined with the end of the As Ever partnership and the reported reluctance of talent to work with them, paints a picture of a couple facing financial and professional challenges.
Looking ahead, Meghan Markle is tipped to return to acting after the Netflix deal ends, according to her former co-star Eric Roberts. This potential career move could provide a new revenue stream, but it remains unclear which projects she might pursue. The current status of the scripted polo drama project is unknown, as is the exact number of projects actually in development between Netflix and the Sussexes. The reason for Netflix ending the partnership with As Ever has not been disclosed, and the financial impact of the Netflix deal on Harry and Meghan's income remains unclear.
They are 'really difficult to work with'.
In summary, the relationship between Netflix and the Sussexes is marked by contradictions and uncertainty. While official statements from Netflix and the Sussexes deny any rift, anonymous insiders and media reports suggest significant tension. The couple's future with Netflix, and their broader financial and professional prospects, remain uncertain.
Their revenue streams are 'starting to dry up' and they need 'half-in, half-out' royal roles.