Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's foray into Hollywood appears to be encountering serious hurdles.
Netflix, one of their primary business partners, has reportedly delivered some disappointing news. There will be no second season for Heart of Invictus, the documentary that Prince Harry once championed as groundbreaking, and Meghan’s much-discussed cooking show has also failed to secure a green light.
When Heart of Invictus premiered in 2023, Harry and his team promoted it as a transformative series showcasing the resilience and strength of wounded veterans competing in the Invictus Games. However, critics were quick to point out that the series seemed more focused on Prince Harry himself than on the veterans it was meant to celebrate. The show often gave the impression of being a platform for Harry to project his image as a global humanitarian, rather than a documentary highlighting the inspiring journeys of those overcoming adversity.
Netflix executives were reportedly unimpressed with the lukewarm reception the series received. While Harry may have hoped the documentary would solidify his standing as a humanitarian figure, audiences found it underwhelming, and it failed to make the impact he had anticipated. Sources indicate that Netflix decided not to pursue a second season after evaluating the project's performance. Insiders even compared the failure to Harry's previous venture, a less-than-successful polo documentary, joking that Heart of Invictus "flopped harder."
Meghan Markle’s ambitions in the entertainment industry have also taken a hit. Her proposed cooking show, envisioned as a charming blend of culinary art, gardening, entertaining, and friendship, seemed perfectly aligned with her lifestyle brand aspirations. However, despite months of discussions, the project has now been shelved. Insiders have reported that Netflix was not entirely sold on the concept. One source described working with Meghan as “so much work,” suggesting that the perceived effort required to collaborate with her was not worth the potential outcome.
The cooking show was intended to highlight Meghan’s passion for food and community, offering a polished, relatable side of the Duchess. However, Netflix appeared unconvinced by the deliverable, ultimately deciding not to proceed. Some industry experts speculate that a simpler project, such as a cookbook, might have been a more strategic starting point. Such a venture would have involved less pressure, lower production costs, and likely fewer critical evaluations.
These cancellations cast doubt on the future of the couple’s lucrative Netflix deal, which has been a cornerstone of their post-royal ventures. Prince Harry may need to pivot his focus, perhaps delving deeper into personal interests like polo or exploring themes from his memoir in a podcast or similar format. Meghan, on the other hand, might choose to regroup with smaller-scale projects or even explore opportunities outside the entertainment industry altogether.
While Hollywood is famously unforgiving, the Sussexes have shown a talent for reinvention in the past. Whether they can rebound with new projects or redefine their public personas in another way remains uncertain. For now, the couple faces the challenge of navigating these setbacks and determining the next phase of their brand in a highly competitive industry.
