Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are confronting renewed uncertainty over their media strategy after reports of a cooling relationship with Netflix intensified speculation that Markle may return to acting as early as 2026.
The shift follows claims that the couple's high-profile streaming partnership-initially valued at up to $100 million when signed in 2020-has weakened significantly, evolving into a limited "first-look" arrangement amid underwhelming follow-up projects. Reports citing industry sources have suggested executives grew frustrated with declining audience engagement and a lack of new breakout content.
Within that context, calls for Markle to re-enter Hollywood have begun to surface publicly. Eric Roberts, who appeared alongside Markle in Suits, said, "She will come back," speaking to the Daily Mail. His wife, casting director Eliza Roberts, added: "It is time. And Meghan needs to come back to work. I feel like her whole family will support it, and she is amazing."
The comments underscore a broader recalibration facing the Sussexes as their post-royal media ventures lose momentum. Their 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan drew strong initial viewership, but subsequent projects-including Markle's lifestyle series With Love, Meghan-have struggled to replicate that success.
Eliza Roberts pointed to Markle's earlier career trajectory as evidence of untapped potential, recalling the actress's breakout role. "Her role in Suits was very sexy," she said. "Her making love with another man, that was just they've never seen anything like that. She worked so hard to get there. That was just too much."
Industry observers say the Sussexes' challenge reflects a broader structural issue: much of their early appeal was tied to their departure from the British royal family. Once that narrative was fully explored across interviews, documentaries and Prince Harry's memoir, sustaining audience interest became more difficult.
There are indications Markle may already be testing a return. Reports cited by People magazine described a brief on-set appearance in the upcoming romantic comedy Close Personal Friends, suggesting a possible re-entry into the entertainment industry. One source said, "She has a small part. She seemed very relaxed and happy."
The Sussexes' broader business model has also come under pressure. In addition to streaming setbacks, Markle's lifestyle brand initiatives have faced uneven traction, while Netflix is said to be reassessing its investment amid shifting content priorities and tighter performance metrics.
Prince Harry has continued to pursue documentary-style projects tied to polo and the Invictus Games, but analysts say those formats lack the broad commercial appeal needed to anchor a long-term entertainment partnership at scale.
For Hollywood studios, Markle's potential return presents both opportunity and risk. Her global name recognition remains significant, but the transition from royal figure back to working actress would require careful positioning in an industry increasingly driven by audience metrics and franchise viability.
