In a scathing critique, a high-ranking Hollywood executive has unleashed harsh criticism on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, accusing them of lacking original content and jeopardizing their Hollywood careers.
The executive, choosing to remain anonymous, emphasized that the coming year is a pivotal moment for the couple's production endeavors. Archwell Productions, their venture into Hollywood, is under intense scrutiny, facing the challenge of transforming into a Hollywood success story amid soaring production costs.
The anonymous studio executive lambasted Harry and Meghan for their "alarming lack of original content," asserting that the failure to deliver this year could lead them down a precarious financial path. Since their departure from the royal family in 2020, the couple has heavily invested in Archwell Productions. However, the company is now grappling with escalating maintenance and production costs, driven by factors such as increased wages for actors and writers following the 2023 strikes that cost Hollywood a staggering £5 billion.
While other production companies are greenlighting multiple projects, Harry and Meghan's Archwell Productions currently has only one project in the pipeline—a film adaptation of the bestselling romance novel "Meet Me at the Lake" by Karly Fortune.
This film is part of their five-year, $100 million deal with Netflix, set to expire in 2025. Despite Netflix's payment of $3.8 million for the adaptation rights, concerns linger in Hollywood about the couple's ability to deliver a successful project without substantial prior experience.
A senior studio executive expressed reservations, highlighting the "alarming lack of any other original content on the roster." The executive questioned whether Harry and Meghan, lacking significant prior experience, could pull off a successful venture.
The upcoming film, aligned with Netflix's aim to produce lighter entertainment, is viewed as a critical juncture for the couple's production company. The success or failure of this project will determine the financial trajectory of Archwell Productions and impact potential contract renewals with Netflix in 2025.
Adding to their challenges, reports suggest that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing financial strain, prompting them to consider selling their Montecito home. The couple is allegedly desperate for cash, seeking to profit from the mansion's sale due to a dearth of income.
As they grapple with the inability to replace lost contracts from the previous year, downsizing and selling their residence may become a necessary step for financial survival. The looming uncertainties underscore the formidable hurdles Harry and Meghan face as they navigate the complex terrain of Hollywood.
