In a red carpet interview at a Los Angeles show business event last November, Meghan Markle hinted at exciting announcements she and Prince Harry were planning.
The couple's optimistic outlook was overshadowed by the recent departure of Bennett LaVine, a key member of their team and the manager of Archewell Productions. LaVine, who had been promoted to the managerial role in 2022, recently announced his exit from the company on social media.
His departure adds a layer of complexity to the speculations surrounding Archewell's future, coinciding with rumors that Netflix might not renew its deal with the Sussexes, which is set to expire in 2025.
LaVine, who played a role in the production of the documentary series "Harry and Meghan," co-produced with Netflix and released in 2022, expressed excitement about his new role at CTIC Media, an American film financing and distribution company.
The timing of his departure raises questions about the stability of Archewell Productions, particularly as Netflix's future collaboration with the Sussexes remains uncertain. Netflix had reportedly paid the couple £80 million in 2020 as part of a multi-year deal, but recent developments, including the Sussexes' appearance at a Paramount Pictures event, hint at potential shifts in their Hollywood alliances.
Last summer, Spotify canceled its £18 million deal with the couple, citing expectations for more content. The Sussexes produced only one podcast and a half-hour holiday special in three years, leading to accusations of deploying bots to silence critics. These setbacks, coupled with the label of "Hollywood flops" from publications, highlight the challenges Meghan and Harry face in the entertainment industry. Despite these hurdles, experts believe the couple is strategically maneuvering to protect their brand, questioning whether they can sustain themselves independently of the Windsors.
The silence surrounding their future endeavors has left industry observers bewildered, with concerns growing about the couple's ability to secure new partnerships. Richard Fitz Williams, an expert on GB News, pondered whether the Sussexes, who gained financial success by critiquing the royal family, could maintain public support in the long run. With the uncertainty of their Netflix contract's renewal in 2025, the couple faces a critical juncture in their Hollywood journey.
