Harry and Meghan’s Failed Hollywood Ambitions: From Hype to Hostility

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry burst onto the Hollywood scene six years ago, full of ambition to conquer the entertainment industry. Now, they’re in the sequel “Megxit II: Montecito’s Revenge!” and are reportedly relocating back to the UK, having seemingly run through their opportunities in the States, according to sources.

Initially, the entertainment community in Hollywood embraced the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with enthusiasm and financial support when they left the royal family in 2020. However, this month marked a low point as their latest production, a summer documentary about Girl Scouts titled “Cookie Queens,” failed to impress at the box office, reminiscent of an overaged Samoa cookie.

News of the royal couple’s impending return to England stirred a variety of emotions among industry insiders just yesterday.

A reliable source mentioned that many former staff from their Archewell production company keep in contact through text messages, jokingly referring to themselves as the “Sussex Survivors’ Club.”

An insider with close ties to the entertainment industry commented on their departure: “They’ve blown their chances of making it big here. Plus, Harry needs to establish himself in the UK before his brother [Prince William] ascends to the throne.”

Earlier reports noted that their documentary, “Cookie Queens,” had a lackluster performance at the box office, earning just $564,847 in its first two weeks, despite their promotional efforts at Sundance earlier this year. Although it wasn’t expected to be a hit, it even opened lower than “CatVideoFest 2026,” a collection of viral cat videos which has now grossed $800,000.

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However, a close associate of the couple defended the documentary, highlighting its impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes score and arguing that its performance should be evaluated within the context of the documentary sector. They added that it was a part of a larger strategy to build awareness for future streaming and awards, branding it as the type of uplifting content that audiences crave.

Aside from their latest venture, another source from the movie industry pointed out that the couple struggled to shed their royal airs, which didn’t sit well in Hollywood.

“They seemed eager to maintain their regal lifestyle and the respect that comes with it. But it all fell apart when they couldn’t decide on their new identities or ambitions; the targets kept shifting,” one insider observed.

The source further noted, “Meghan seemed more desperate to prove something, though Harry was also intent on showing they could be influential outside the royal context. But honestly, Harry’s never been about business; he’s more interested in charity and public service.”

Reportedly, their initial connections with prominent Montecito figures like Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry have cooled. “I’m not sure they’re still in touch with Tyler Perry, and they hardly speak to Oprah anymore,” a source revealed. Perry had famously supported the Sussexes with his home, private jet, and security team upon their arrival.

As they depart, their $100 million Netflix deal is faltering, with Meghan’s high-profile series “With Love, Meghan” canceled after two seasons, and Netflix withdrawing support for her As Ever brand. Their $25 million Spotify agreement also ended after just one season of Markle’s podcast “Archetypes.”

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Last year, Page Six reported that Meghan was dropped by WME after being labeled as overly demanding and difficult, though the agency contradicted these claims, stating they still represent Meghan and Archewell. However, it was noted that Meghan hadn’t met with WME’s top executive Ari Emanuel since early 2024, following an outburst demanding immediate action plans.

Upon hearing the news of their UK return, a source disclosed that Emanuel had directly informed the couple via email that their expectations were too high and that they weren’t a good fit for the agency anymore.

While the agency has ceased active work on Meghan’s projects, she remains in contact with other agents at WME, initially brought in through her connection with client Serena Williams. Meghan’s current representatives include Carolyn Moneta and Ikenna Ezeh, focusing more on acting roles.

Interestingly, Meghan has an upcoming film role in “Close Personal Friends,” where she plays herself alongside stars like Brie Larson, Jack Quaid, and Lily Collins in a story about two couples meeting in Santa Barbara.

Friends of the couple shared that their decision to spend more time in the UK this fall follows a pleasant summer visit, wanting their children to experience more of British life and family.

They are also likely selling their Montecito mansion, as reported by The Post. Furthermore, Page Six has indicated that the move back to the UK is partly to be nearer to King Charles and to foster relationships between their children and the royal family, despite ongoing tensions between Prince William and Harry, with the former reportedly still refusing dialogue with his younger brother.

The decision to leave California was made earlier this month, shortly after their July reunion with the ailing King Charles.