Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have recently sparked speculation in the media industry with their presence at a Paramount Pictures event, a move interpreted as a subtle nudge to Netflix about their future collaborations. This strategic positioning comes as their contract with Netflix, inked in 2020 following their departure from royal duties, approaches its expiration in 2025.
The royal couple's attendance at the premiere of the Bob Marley documentary "One Love," under the banner of Netflix's competitor, has been seen as a pointed message. They were photographed smiling alongside Paramount and Nickelodeon CEO Brian Robbins, fueling rumors of potential negotiations with alternative platforms.
Despite having produced two documentaries for Netflix, the couple's output has been scrutinized for its limited scope. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams voiced his observations to GB News: "They can turn it around if they come up with some work. The only thing they are doing as far as I can see with Invictus, Prince Harry already had that." He added, "So they have not done anything, they lost Spotify. Will they lose Netflix? The contract runs out in 2025. It is rather bewildering their silence."
This sentiment was echoed by others in the industry. Bill Simmons, Spotify's head of podcast innovation and monetization, commented on the couple's departure from Spotify, saying, "I wish I had been involved in the 'Meghan and Harry leave Spotify' negotiation. 'The F*****g Grifters.' That's the podcast we should have launched with them."
As the Sussexes navigate the complex media landscape, their recent actions suggest a readiness to diversify their partnerships. Their foray into the streaming world post-royalty has been a mixture of successes and setbacks. The couple's documentary "Harry & Meghan" was a streaming hit, while "Heart of Invictus" did not garner similar attention.
Looking ahead, the couple faces the challenge of reinforcing their position in the competitive streaming industry. Their contract with Netflix nearing its end puts them at a crucial juncture. As they explore potential new alliances, their decision-making in the coming months will be pivotal.
