It feels like every few months, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to make their big Hollywood comeback, and despite releasing several projects at this point (including several high-profile book adaptations), it’s just not happening. They just can’t seem to figure out the entertainment world.
Just about every excuse in the book has been given for why they’re not crushing it. From Meghan being a horrible boss to her bossing around her husband in meetings, and so much more. But now, insiders are speaking out, and it sounds like their career crisis might be based on a simple, fundamental issue that they just simply may not be able to fix. Simply put, they just don’t have the knack for it!
Speaking to Us Weekly on Wednesday, an insider dished:
“The main issue is they haven’t made the right decisions creatively. In Hollywood, you only get so many chances to make mistakes.”
Related: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Not Invited To Met Gala
That may seem like a small issue compared to other reports we’ve heard, but it’s actually really important. David E. Johnson of Strategic Vision PR pointed out that there have been “consistent reports of creative differences, high expectations, and challenges in execution.” Former media exec Travis Pomposello doubled down:
“There was a gap between what was expected and what was delivered. Harry and Meghan still bring attention … but the bigger question is whether that attention leads to lasting shows, not just launch-day buzz.”
However, a source is already trying to spin this, noting the couple has wanted “more creative freedom… and now they can partner with various streamers and networks depending on who buys their projects.” A second insider close to the pair insisted their first-look deal with Netflix is “still very active,” and With Love, Meghan is expected to continue with seasonal specials. Plus, they even have office space on the Netflix lot for their Archewell employees still. They are continuing to work on several TV and film projects, too.
The first insider said it’s “business as usual” for the lovebirds:
“They look at hit pieces [like the Variety article] as something that comes with the territory. They’re used to it.”
But a third source who has worked for the couple said that the Suits alum is “disappointed” her show didn’t take off:
“She poured so much heart and soul into it and really believed in it.”
The insider added that Netflix thought it’d have “much higher” viewership, but the second insider insisted the ratings were “on par” with similar Netflix shows. Hmm.
Along with creative issues, sources believe Harry and Meghan have a major brand identity crisis on their hands. Johnson said:
“They were everywhere. It became nearly impossible to watch the news or scroll online without seeing them. At the same time, their brand lacked [definition]. Were they still royals? Private citizens? Activists? Media entrepreneurs? They never answered that question.”
PR expert Mark Borkowski chimed in:
“When a brand arrives and says, ‘We are many things, all of them meaningful,’ the audience hears: ‘Work it out yourself.’ And they don’t.”
And PR expert Natalie Trice added that “there’s still strong public interest in what Meghan does” — but confusion is building:
“Is [her thing] jam? Is it fashion? Is it charity work? Yes, you can do it all — but that true passion needs to be clear.”
However, the second source clapped back, arguing that they have many different types of projects that speak to all their interests. So we guess they’re hoping there will be something for everyone? But the first insider disagreed, saying the first projects “have [too] narrow [of an] appeal.” Everyone wanted to watch Harry & Meghan, but interest has definitely waned for other projects, such as Polo.
The one thing people DO want to watch? Content about their private life and the royals, “but those are the types of projects they don’t want to do,” the first source explained. Oof. That’s a problem.
As for why they’re being such sticklers about that despite spilling tea in the past, the source furthered:
“Meghan and Harry are cautious about everything they do and say in order to uphold the standards of the monarchy. … They do the best they can not to upset the royals,. Everyone who goes into business with them knows there are confines, but it hurts the creativity of the project. They are adamant about having creative control and final edit… and what they can’t say limits things.”
Johnson noted:
“Their repeated public criticisms of the royal family have undercut an association that once gave them value. They need to lean away from it.”
All this is particularly hard for Harry, who never wanted to walk away from royal life for good, author Christopher Andersen spilled:
“Unfortunately, Queen Elizabeth II strongly believed that you’re either all in or all out.”
Meanwhile, Johnson thinks Meghan’s role in Harry’s family drama is causing issues, noting:
“Fair or not, those perceptions are sticky. And in lifestyle and media branding, perception is everything.”
But in their defense, the insiders don’t think their industry history is as bad as it looks, the first source urged:
“Producers don’t have success with every single project. [Harry and Meghan’s misfires] are just magnified.”
It helps that brands still want to work with them, the third source acknowledged:
“They get many inquiries but have been very selective. [But they’re feeling] a bit unfairly portrayed. … They are also genuinely concerned about how it impacts their brand and future deals.”
As they wait for Hollywood to fall in love with them, there’s one thing that could save the day — and their wallets. But it’s the one thing Meghan does not want to do! The mother of two has gotten multiple offers to write a memoir, the first source shared, but “it’s not something she wants to pursue.”
“[A memoir is] the one area where Meghan has a lot of financial clout. It would be hugely lucrative for her.”
The source thinks there’s a strong possibility she could make even more than Harry’s Spare!
With a memoir brushed to the side, Meg has “no intention” of distancing herself from her new lifestyle brand, As Ever. The first source said “she’s expanding it and will be doing more collaborations with existing brands,” especially” since collabs “have been very well received” and products have sold out within minutes. She’s also, naturally, “super focused on her family, her foundation work, and bigger-picture projects that feel purposeful, not just Hollywood roles,” according to the third source.
The 44-year-old has also grown clearer on what she wants her media presence to be, and that’s not an influencer, which is why she deactivated her ShopMy Instagram page. The third source noted:
“She had thought she wanted to do the blog/influencer route but realized that wasn’t for her. It felt too transactional, too much about promoting products instead of creating meaningful content or impact. She wants her work to reflect who she is and what she cares about, not just selling stuff.”
Borkowski shared:
“But that doesn’t mean grand; it means controlled. [Harry] sits on something far more combustible — [the] truth. Not the Netflix version, but the raw, slightly uncomfortable, occasionally inconvenient truth. When he’s near that, it works. When he drifts into ‘content,’ he becomes just another voice in a very crowded room of people earnestly explaining things to us.”
He added:
“What would actually cut through now is almost offensively simple. Fewer pronouncements, more specificity and projects that exist because they’re good — not because they’re meaningful.”
For Pomposello, Harry’s best path forward is to focus on “documentaries with a purpose, stories about veterans, mental health and causes where he has real credibility.” Whatever they decide to do next, Johnson concluded:
“Harry and Meghan need a full rebrand. They can’t continue trying to be everything to everyone. They have to shift from a narrative rooted in past grievances to one focused on their future — it’s about what they can contribute, not what they left behind.”
But can they fix this? They seem unwilling to settle on a narrative… and if they just stink at making the right creative decisions, well, all their projects might be doomed anyway!
What do YOU think?? Will they EVER reach Hollywood success?? Sound OFF with your predictions (below)!
[Image via MEGA/WENN]