The Manager of Archewell Productions Resigned
One of the major money-makers for Harry and Meghan was their production company, Archewell Productions. Unfortunately, the manager of the company has shockingly handed in his resignation.
Source: Archewell Productions
The blow dealt to the couple leaves them scrambling to figure out how to keep calm and carry on as the clock ticks down to the day when they have to present Netflix something impressive.
Harry and Meghan Have Seen Some Success With the Production Company
The production company has seen success with several projects, including a partnership with Netflix. There were talks of a future Audible deal after the couple parted ways with Spotify.
Source: Mark Jones/Wikimedia Commons
Things seemed to be going well, but the latest incident with Bennett Levin leaving his post this month reveals that something is wrong behind closed doors.
Meghan Is Worried About Their Bank Account
The news has Meghan deeply worried as the couple has “blown through so much money,” according to an inside source (via Closer Magazine). “Meghan is hyper-concerned about money, rightfully so, given their extravagant spending and lower-than-expected earnings.”
Source: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds
“It’s a blow to the company,” a source told the outlet. “There’s no doubt about that.”
Levine Is “Happy” to Be Somewhere Else
Levine, who joined the production team as a coordinator in 2021, was swiftly promoted the following year. After leaving the company, Levine posted on his LinkedIn last week that he was “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position at Cinetic Media.”
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While working at Archewell, Levine co-produced several projects for the ex-royals, including the 2022 Netflix docu-series “Harry & Meghan.”
Netflix May Not Renew Harry and Meghan’s Production Deal
Levin’s exit comes at a time when the company is uncertain about its future. Rumors are circulating that Netflix may not be renewing its deal with Archewell, according to expert opinions. The Netflix and Archewell $100 million deal was signed in 2021.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Once the deal ends in 2025, it will be up to Netflix to see if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can offer a lucrative partnership.
The Shocking Spotify Issue
The runaway royals’ 2024 redemption arc is already off to a rough start. However, it might not compare to their year of disaster in 2023. On June 15, Spotify cut its deal with Meghan Markle short, stating that “Spotify and Archewell Audio have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together.”
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However, Spotify executive Bill Simmons, who was never excited to team up with the former royals, said the podcasting duo were “grifters.”
Bye, Bye $20 Million
Last year, Simmons said he was “embarrassed to share” the streaming platform with Harry and Meghan, saying that they “sell documentaries and podcasts and no one cares what you have to say about anything unless you talk about the royal family and you just complain about them.”
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Needless to say, Simmon got the fallout he was pining for. The couple’s multi-year $20 million deal was cut short, with some reports suggesting that the couple won’t receive the full payout because they didn’t produce enough content.
Simmons Calls Out Harry and Meghan’s Unprofessionalism
Simmons reveals that the couple’s lack of creativity and unprofessionalism is what led to the demise of “Archetypes”. Harry, who came up with concepts for shows, pitched unrealistic and questionable episodes.
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Harry said that he was interested in interviews with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Pope Francis.
Meghan’s Work Ethic Called Into Question
The interviews themselves have also been a hot subject. Meghan was accused of not conducting her interviews for the podcast, and having staffers do them instead (via Podnews). Staffers edited Meghan’s questions into the show.
Source: Mark Tantrum
No one who worked on the show pushed back against the claims except Gimlet editor Andrea B. Scott, who said that producers occasionally did interviews, but “never the main ones.”
Meghan Might Return to Acting
In November 2023, Meghan teased her excitement for new projects coming from the production company. There were subtle hints that the “Suits” actor would return to the screen, hoping to create projects with big-name directors.
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“[W]e have so many exciting things on the slate. I can’t wait until we can announce them, but I’m just really proud of what we’re creating. My husband is loving it, too. It’s really fun,” she said. (via the New York Post).
Will the Couple Return to Their Royal Life
As Harry continues to fight (and pay) his way through the courts in London, the future of an ex-royal life doesn’t seem as glamorous as the couple hoped it would be. If the tides don’t shift soon, the couple may return to England.
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King Charles hopes to reconnect with his youngest son, but what will it take for Meghan to return to England?