In a fresh foray into the world of film, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, under their Archewell Productions banner, are set to adapt the best-selling romance novel "Meet Me At The Lake" by Carley Fortune for Netflix. The news has generated significant buzz, with Fortune expressing her excitement about the collaboration. "Will and Fern's love story is dear to my heart, and I can't imagine a more perfect partnership," she remarked.
The novel unfolds the tale of Fern, a 32-year-old who revisits her mother's lakeside resort in Canada after her mother's tragic demise in a car accident. During her stay, Fern rekindles a relationship with a former love, Will Baxter, known for his penchant for high-end suits. Intriguingly, the narrative mirrors certain aspects of the Duke and Duchess's own life. The couple, who met in their 30s while Meghan was filming "Suits" in Canada, share a connection with the book's setting near Toronto. Furthermore, the Duke's traumatic loss of his mother, Princess Diana, in a car crash and his affectionate reference to his brother, Prince William, as "Will" resonate with the storyline.
Themes of childhood trauma, reminiscent of the Duke's own experiences, are evident in the book. It also touches upon postpartum challenges, a topic Meghan candidly discussed in her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. The narrative delves into mental health issues, aligning with Prince Harry's advocacy and reflections in his memoir.
The chemistry between Fern and Will in the book mirrors the "undeniable connection" that the royal couple has often spoken about. Their own love story, as depicted in the "Harry & Meghan" series, highlighted the immediate bond they felt from their initial blind date.
While the financial specifics of the film rights acquisition remain undisclosed, estimates suggest a figure close to £3 million ($3.8 million). This adaptation marks the Sussexes' fourth venture under their lucrative five-year, $100 million contract with Netflix, inked in 2020. Their collaboration aims to produce content that not only educates but also inspires, spanning genres from documentaries to children's shows.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix's Chief Content Officer, previously expressed pride in partnering with the royal couple, anticipating stories that "can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere." Under the Archewell Productions umbrella, the Sussexes have already unveiled two docuseries: "Harry & Meghan" and "Live to Lead" (December 2022). Another documentary, "Heart of Invictus," is slated for a summer release, while their animated series "Pearl" was shelved before pre-production.
"Meet Me At The Lake" has been lauded for its heartfelt portrayal of love, loss, and redemption. Notable figures, including journalist Katie Couric, have praised the novel, describing it as a "beautiful, charming, witty, [and] poignant" read.
