Prince Harry and Meghan’s ‘Downgraded’ Netflix Deal Is a ‘Slap in the Face’ After the Duke Said He Needed Money
After Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed a deal with Netflix for a reported $100 million in 2020, the streaming giant did not renew the couple’s mega deal but gave them what’s being called a “downgraded,” “first look” deal for any upcoming projects.
“We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As ever brand,” Meghan said in a statement. “My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally and celebrates our shared vision.”
The Sussexes, of course, want to make things look one way, but several insiders have said that what they have now is a minor deal for such a low amount that it costs Netflix almost nothing.
A royal expert is saying that’s actually a “slap in the face” to the duke and duchess, especially considering their reported money woes and what Harry has admitted about that in the past.
Expert calls the Sussexes’ new first-look deal from Netflix a ‘slap in the face’
A number of commentators who have described what a “first-look” deal means explained that Netflix will hear the Sussexes’ ideas for any potential projects first, before any other network or streamer, and decide whether to obtain the rights to them. But it’s a far cry from getting anything close to the $100 million they did to produce content they wanted when they wanted.
Daily Mail editor Richard Eden said: “It’s definitely a slap in the face. Let’s deal with the facts. Harry himself, in his interview with Oprah Winfrey, talked about how he needed money and he needed it quickly because security and money had been cut off from his father.”
Eden added: “This is none of a kind from everything I have heard. It is just a first-look deal so the only money they will receive is if the programs are commissioned.”
During the couple’s interview with Oprah after leaving the Firm, Harry spoke about working with Netflix, saying, “During COVID, the suggestion by a friend was, ‘What about streamers?’ We hadn’t thought about it. So, there were all sorts of different options. And look, from my perspective, all I needed was enough money to be able to pay for security to keep my family safe.”
Some commentators believe Meghan will leave Harry if he goes broke
With their reported money troubles, there have also been rumors and speculation that Meghan will leave Harry if he can no longer pull his weight and help fund her lifestyle.
Royal commentator Mark Dolan shared his opinion on those reports and agreed that the prince needs to find a way to generate more income.
“Meghan is the most competitive person on the planet. If she wants to keep up with Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah Winfrey, she needs more money,” Dolan said. “Currently, she has more money going out than coming in. They have private security, which costs them $2- $3 million annually. These two are getting through cash, and the problem is that Harry is just too poor for Meghan. In a couple of years, Harry will be flat broke, which is why he needs to make $100 million and fast.
“He has to keep up with Meghan’s expectations, which are endless and infinite. Harry has already squandered $3 million on failed court cases against newspapers, and he has more court cases to come because he loves suing people, but he’s fighting a losing battle; it’s costing him a lot of cash.”
