The multi-million dollar media ventures of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly facing significant delays, with key film projects languishing in development and their substantial Netflix agreement described as "up in the air". According to industry insiders, the couple's ambitious transition into content production has encountered substantial hurdles, casting doubt on the future trajectory of their post-royal careers.
Film Projects in Prolonged Development
Archewell Productions, the media company founded by the Sussexes, announced in August 2023 that it was developing a film adaptation of Carley Fortune's bestselling novel Meet Me At The Lake. Netflix had acquired the rights to the novel for approximately £2.2 million ($2.9 million), yet three years later, the project remains categorised as in development, lacking both a confirmed cast and director.
"Three years in development for a movie like this at Netflix isn't good," a Hollywood source told Page Six, highlighting the concerning stagnation. The novel, which sold 37,000 copies in its first week, explores themes of postnatal depression, mental health, and childhood trauma, mirroring some of the personal experiences the couple have publicly discussed.
Shifting Creative Direction
The planned adaptation of Meet Me At The Lake marked a deliberate shift away from the tell-all documentaries about royal life that initially defined the couple's Netflix output. Instead, the Sussexes have announced plans for additional literary adaptations, including a Netflix version of Jasmine Guillory's 2018 novel The Wedding Date.
Another proposed project, the documentary Cookie Queen, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, remains without a streaming distributor. Described as a coming-of-age story about Girl Scout Cookie season, the film has yet to be acquired by any major platform.
Netflix Deal Under Scrutiny
The Sussexes secured their original $100 million (£74 million) Netflix deal in 2020 after stepping back from their roles as working royals. While their confessional documentary Harry & Meghan proved a substantial success, other projects have struggled to find similar audiences. The polo documentary attracted only 500,000 viewers, raising questions about the commercial viability of their content.
In August 2023, the couple signed a new "multi-year" contract with Netflix, though industry sources indicate it is significantly less lucrative than their initial agreement. Despite this renewal, the timeline for their film adaptations remains uncertain, dependent on what insiders describe as "the writing and packaging process".
Culinary Show Cancellation
In a further setback, Meghan's lifestyle series With Love, Meghan will not return for a third season on Netflix. The show, which debuted in March 2025 and offered lifestyle tips from a rented £5 million mansion near Montecito, failed to break into Netflix's Top 10 US shows during its second season's debut week.
"It is not returning as a series," an insider confirmed. "There have been conversations about holiday specials, but there's nothing in the works yet." Another source suggested viewers would see "similar cooking and crafting on Meghan's socials for the brand, but more bite-sized."
Focus on Lifestyle Brand
Meghan is said to be concentrating her efforts on building her lifestyle brand, As Ever, with rumours circulating about potential holiday specials for occasions like American Independence Day and Valentine's Day. However, no concrete plans have been confirmed, leaving the future of her television presence uncertain.
Despite these challenges, allies of the couple maintain that Archewell Productions continues to have a positive relationship with Netflix, a sentiment echoed by insiders at the streaming giant. The Daily Mail has approached representatives of the Sussexes for comment regarding the stalled projects and the status of their Netflix partnership.
