The Duchess of Sussex's decision to return to acting through an Amazon MGM Studios production has created ripples across Hollywood, with Netflix executives reportedly taking note of her professional alignment with billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Strategic Move or Business Savvy?
Sources throughout the entertainment industry indicate significant discussion has emerged regarding Meghan's choice to appear in the upcoming comedy film Close Personal Friends, where she will play a cameo role as herself. This marks her first acting role since leaving the legal drama Suits in 2017 when she became engaged to Prince Harry.
Insiders suggest the 44-year-old duchess is demonstrating sharp business acumen by collaborating with Bezos's empire. Meghan recently secured a 'first look' deal with Netflix after her original $100 million (£76 million) five-year contract concluded in September. Despite this continuing partnership, her decision to work with Amazon has raised questions about her long-term strategic alliances.
A source from rival studio Disney commented: 'The Sussexes have been the subject of much chatter this week. People find it curious that Meghan seems to be professionally wooing Jeff Bezos but, to be brutally frank, who can blame her? He has all the money in the world and is one of the few people who can afford to bankroll any future projects of hers.'
Hollywood Power Dynamics
The connection between the Sussexes and the Amazon founder appears to extend beyond professional interests. Harry and Meghan were recently guests at Kris Jenner's 70th birthday party, held at the $165 million (£123.5 million) Beverly Hills mansion owned by Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez.
This isn't Bezos's first foray into mentoring entertainment figures. The James Bond enthusiast has previously supported Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney, reportedly providing millions in seed funding for her lingerie line. Sweeney is also rumoured to be considered for a Bond girl role in the next 007 film, which Amazon will produce after acquiring the franchise for $1 billion.
A representative from William Morris Endeavor (WME), Meghan's talent agency, defended her decision-making: 'The duchess is a smart businesswoman and very much in control of her career and where she sees it going. Of course, people are talking about her connection to Jeff Bezos and the fact she's chosen to star in an Amazon film, but there are very few big players in town and she has two of them - Netflix and Amazon.'
Netflix Partnership Under Scrutiny
The Sussexes' original Netflix deal has been widely viewed as underwhelming within Hollywood circles, despite Netflix boss Ted Sarandos reportedly 'adoring' Meghan. Their 2022 documentary series 'Harry & Meghan' remains Netflix's most-watched documentary ever, but subsequent projects have struggled to achieve similar success.
Prince Harry's polo documentary ranked disappointingly at 3,436 out of 7,000 shows, attracting only 500,000 viewers over six months. Meghan's lifestyle series With Love, Meghan received mixed reviews and failed to break into Netflix's top 300 programmes for the first half of 2025.
Nevertheless, Netflix extended their collaboration with a new first-look deal, though industry sources indicate it's worth less than their previous arrangement. The streaming service also remains partnered with Meghan's As Ever lifestyle brand, which recently launched its holiday collection featuring scented candles and champagne.
A Netflix insider revealed: 'Everyone in Hollywood is talking about Meghan making her return to acting in an Amazon film rather than a Netflix project. It's a bit like when Meghan and Harry sat down with Oprah Winfrey to give their first big interview post Megxit. People all over town are wondering why they didn't come to Netflix? Of course, Netflix will never say anything remotely critical about them publicly. But let's just say - this has been noted.'
The film Close Personal Friends also stars Emily in Paris actress Lily Collins, Captain Marvel's Brie Larson and Jack Quaid. According to reports, Meghan had been 'swamped with offers' since retiring from acting but found this particular project, about a couple befriending another celebrity couple during a Santa Barbara trip, particularly appealing.
