In this blog, we’ll explore what this setback was, how it unfolded, and what it could mean for their future in the entertainment industry.
1. The Netflix Deal: A Shining Opportunity
One of the most notable moves in their post-royal life was the couple's multi-million dollar deal with Netflix, announced in 2020. The agreement was heralded as a major win for the couple, promising to produce content that “informs but also gives hope,” including documentaries, docuseries, and children's programming. This partnership was meant to capitalize on Meghan's background in acting and Harry's philanthropic work, particularly in mental health and veterans' affairs.
However, despite the initial fanfare, their content production hasn't lived up to expectations, at least from the perspective of the industry. Their debut documentary, Harry & Meghan, released in December 2022, pulled in impressive viewership initially but garnered mixed critical reception. As months passed, Hollywood insiders began to question the couple's ability to deliver projects of significant cultural impact.
2. Spotify Ends the $20 Million Podcast Deal
A critical blow came when Spotify pulled the plug on their $20 million podcast deal in June 2023. The partnership, signed with their Archewell Audio production company, was supposed to produce a series of high-profile podcast episodes led by Meghan. Their podcast Archetypes initially performed well with high download numbers. The series explored stereotypes placed on women, and Meghan interviewed a range of famous guests, including Serena Williams and Mariah Carey. However, only one season was released, and the content pipeline quickly dried up.
Reports suggested that Spotify executives were disappointed by the lack of productivity and long-term vision from the couple. Some insiders even alleged that they struggled to come up with ideas that matched the scale of the money they were receiving. The failed Spotify venture was a public relations disaster, with the deal's termination implying that the couple couldn’t maintain their initial momentum.
3. Struggles With Creative Direction
Much of Harry and Meghan’s Hollywood struggle can be attributed to the difficulties of navigating the creative landscape in an industry where they had little experience beyond Meghan’s stint as an actress on Suits. Meghan’s acting background provided her with a degree of familiarity with Hollywood, but the transition from actor to content creator is no small feat. On top of that, Harry’s lack of experience in entertainment has been evident, and some critics suggest that their royal backgrounds were relied upon too heavily to attract deals, instead of proven creative direction or content production expertise.
After the fanfare of their Netflix deal and Spotify contract, they appeared unable to generate the fresh and compelling ideas expected from them. Their pitches, according to some reports, did not meet Hollywood’s demands for engaging, original content.
Hollywood thrives on big ideas, marketable content, and star power, and while Harry and Meghan may have the latter, they haven’t yet demonstrated that they can consistently produce the former two. Without a creative team or experience comparable to other big-name producers in the industry, the couple has struggled to maintain interest from entertainment executives.
4. The Public's Changing Perception
While their high-profile deals were exciting at first, Harry and Meghan’s public perception has since shifted. Part of the reason for their Hollywood misfortune could lie in their waning popularity. A growing segment of the public, particularly in the UK, has voiced fatigue with the couple’s continued airing of grievances about the royal family. The release of Harry’s memoir Spare in January 2023 added fuel to this fire, with critics claiming that the couple were capitalizing on family drama for financial gain.
The Harry & Meghan documentary was viewed by many as an extension of this narrative, and though it drew considerable attention, it also left some viewers questioning how long this particular storyline could sustain their brand.
Their public persona, once rooted in admiration for their courage to step back from royal life, has been increasingly associated with controversy. This change in public perception has likely played a role in Hollywood’scooling interest in the couple, as many in the entertainment industry are hesitant to align themselves with individuals whose star power may be waning.
5. Hollywood's Tough Crowd
Hollywood can be unforgiving, especially for outsiders. Harry and Meghan, though globally recognizable, entered an entertainment industry with its own rules, networks, and challenges. While they brought star power, it’s clear that the content they’ve produced hasn’t resonated enough to solidify their position in the industry. Hollywood isn’t merely about fame; it’s about marketability and sustained success in creative ventures.
Many stars enter Hollywood only to face rejection or realize their ideas don’t fit the current trends. For Harry and Meghan, this reality might have been a harsh awakening. Their names alone are no longer enough to guarantee sustained success, particularly in an industry that is constantly evolving and has little patience for underperformance.
6. What’s Next for Harry and Meghan?
Given these setbacks, the question now is: where do Harry and Meghan go from here? It’s clear that their brand will need a pivot if they are to succeed in the entertainment world. While their royal connections are unique, they will have to demonstrate that they can create content that appeals beyond their personal story.
There have been rumors that Meghan might return to acting, and Harry could further pursue his passion for mental health advocacy through different projects. They still have significant platforms, and their ability to drive social causes might be one of their best assets moving forward.
However, they will need to be careful not to overexpose themselves or rely too heavily on the royal family narrative, as public interest in that storyline seems to be fading. A move towards lighter, more uplifting content might be one solution. Their upcoming projects, particularly through Netflix, will be pivotal in determining whether they can reverse their fortunes in Hollywood.
Conclusion
Harry and Meghan's journey in Hollywood has been anything but smooth. The end of their Spotify deal, alongside struggles in generating content, has been a significant blow to their aspirations. Yet, with their star power and potential for storytelling, the future isn’t entirely bleak. Whether they can reinvent themselves and their brand will depend on how they navigate the increasingly complex landscape of entertainment and public perception. Hollywood has made it clear that fame alone isn’t enough, and the couple will need to find new ways to remain relevant in a cutthroat industry.
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