When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, decided to step back from royal duties and move to the U.S., the narrative seemed ready-made for a Hollywood fairy tale. With Meghan’s acting background and their global fame, their entry into the entertainment world seemed destined for success. They established Archewell Productions, aiming to create impactful content.
But the journey in Tinseltown hasn’t been smooth, prompting the question: Have they burned their bridges in Hollywood?
The couple’s aspirations were high as they inked deals with major platforms like Netflix and Spotify. Yet, their projects have struggled to take off. Meghan’s animated series “Pearl” was axed, and their much-touted $20 million Spotify deal ended bitterly, leading to public criticism and Spotify executive Bill Simmons branding them “f***ing grifters” (via The Daily Mail).
Even their successful “Harry & Meghan” docu-series on Netflix couldn’t stem the tide of setbacks. The Hollywood Reporter’s labeling of them as among 2023’s “biggest losers in Hollywood” certainly didn’t help matters.
The root of their struggles seems to pivot on collaboration—or the lack thereof. The entertainment industry thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, yet Harry and Meghan are perceived as wanting to maintain strict control over their projects. P
R expert Mark Borkowski emphasized this point, stating to The Wrap, “They drive this ship, they are in the wheelhouse, whether you are the Obamas, or Meghan and Harry you have to defer to people who can really get the job done.” This insistence on control appears to have alienated many potential collaborators.
Their approach has led to significant turnover within Archewell Productions, per Express. High-profile departures, including that of former president Mandana Dayani, and several other key figures, suggest a turbulent environment. The frequent staff changes hint at possible internal discord and a challenging work atmosphere, raising questions about the company’s direction and leadership.
But perhaps the most telling issue is their rumored unwillingness to collaborate. In an industry built on creative partnerships, this can be a significant handicap. An anonymous source who worked with the couple told The Wrap, “Everything with them was fraught and complicated because they wanted complete control.” This desire for autonomy over collaboration may have contributed to their current predicament.
So, the question remains: Is there a path forward for the Sussexes in Hollywood? The industry is known for second chances, and with the right adjustments, they could rewrite their narrative. Embracing collaboration, welcoming experienced advisors, and loosening the reins on creative control could pave the way for a successful turnaround.
Harry and Meghan’s Hollywood journey has been less of a fairy tale and more of a lesson in the complexities of entertainment production. Their story is one of the industry’s demanding nature and the importance of teamwork.
While they’ve faced significant hurdles, the door to redemption hasn’t closed yet. With a change in strategy and a more collaborative approach, they could still find the success they’re searching for. After all, in Hollywood, the end of one act can be just the beginning of another.
