18 July 2023 , 10:35
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's future Netflix projects are proving "tough" to get off the ground due to the Hollywood writer's strike, a source close to the couple has claimed.
The couple has a multi-million dollar deal with the streaming giant for programming and last year released their controversial docu-series Harry and Meghan, which saw them criticise their royal relatives - with Harry claiming Prince William screamed and shouted at him during the so-called Sandringham summit.
Since then, they've fronted another documentary called Live to Lead, which focussed on inspirational leaders, but no other content has so far been forthcoming. It is believed a documentary on the Invictus Games is in the works and that the pair also want to shift their focus to romcoms.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a multi-million dollar deal with Netflix (AFP via Getty Images)However, due to the lack of releases on Netflix so far, questions have been asked about the deal - but a source close to Harry and Meghan has told the Telegraph that it is proving "tough" to move forward with projects due to the strike.
More than 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) are on strike, having begun industrial action on May 2. It is seeking higher minimum pay, more writers per show and less exclusivity on single projects, among other demands. Last week, Sag-Aftra, the US union representing thousands of industry professionals, also officially declared a strike - and they have derailed multiple productions and industry events in recent months.
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The Sussexes signed their lucrative deal with Netflix after stepping back from the Royal Family in 2020. It is unknown exactly how much the deal is worth but it has been reported it could be as much as £9.1million ($112million).
The couple during their controversial Netflix docu-series (Netflix)There had been claims that the streaming giant wanted Harry and Meghan to come up with "more great ideas" if they wanted to take home £40million in outstanding fees. However, Netflix has denied the rumours.
"The bond with Archewell Productions is one we deeply value. Harry & Meghan launched as Netflix's most spectacular documentary debut to date," a Netflix spokesperson said.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, it added: "Our exciting journey with them isn't ending anytime soon. We're currently collaborating on numerous projects, including the much-anticipated documentary series Heart of Invictus." The Heart of Invictus series is set for an August premiere date.
Earlier this month, it was also revealed that the Harry & Meghan docuseries had been shortlisted in the best streaming non-fiction series category at the Hollywood Critics Awards (HCA). However, the couple did miss out on a prestigious Emmy nomination.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex failed to make the cut when the nominations were announced - despite having been tipped to earn a nomination for their bombshell Netflix docuseries.
It comes after the couple's deal with fellow streaming giant Spotify came to an end after just one series of Meghan's 12-part series Archetypes and a Christmas special that featured both her and Harry.