Prince Harry, Meghan Make confirm new Netflix film despite deal downgrade

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a major announcement about their future with Netflix, confirming a brand-new film project despite reports their deal with the streaming giant has been “watered down.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have revealed they will produce a new romantic film for Netflix through their Archewell Productions banner. The project will be an adaptation of The Wedding Date, the bestselling novel by New York Times author Jasmine Guillory.

The announcement signals a fresh chapter in the Sussexes’ evolving relationship with the streaming platform, following criticism that their recent Netflix agreement lacks the scale of their original blockbuster deal.

First published in 2018, The Wedding Date tells the story of a career-driven political strategist whose chance elevator encounter leads her to pose as a stranger’s date at a wedding, ultimately challenging her belief that romance no longer exists.

Industry publication Deadline described the story as one where “love has a way of showing up when you least expect it.”

Harry and Meghan will produce the adaptation alongside producer Tracy Ryerson, with the project forming part of their multi-year, first-look deal with Netflix.

The announcement comes shortly after the release of Meghan’s festive Netflix special With Love, Meghan, as well as a new documentary linked to one of Prince Archie’s interests.

Earlier this year, Harry and Meghan signed a new Netflix agreement that was widely described as a downgraded or scaled-back version of their original deal.

Speaking at Fortune’s Powerful Women Summit in Washington, Meghan addressed the change directly.

“My husband and I were in an overall deal with Netflix… and then the extension of it was now being a first-look deal, which is also exciting because it gives us flexibility.”

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