The 2024 Golden Globes have passed, without a trace of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. While their absence from the event is not significant in itself, some see this as evidence that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's hopes of building an empire in Hollywood may be burning faster than the California wildfires.
Royal commentator Daniela Elser believes that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle must have lost faith in whether Hollywood would embrace them warmly. In a scathing analysis, she questioned whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex naively imagined starting 2023 with a fresh look after a tumultuous year in 2022, yet their Spotify deal went bankrupt and was sharply criticized by "losers" and "**".
However, as Golden Globe host Jo Koy happily reminded attendees, Netflix is still generously paying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle despite their "nothing." Elser hinted that the ridicule must have been painful for them, showing that the once royal couple who are now producers still have a long way to go in the fickle entertainment industry before they can be taken seriously.
Let's take a look back at how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to go into Hollywood, and analyze what went wrong with their dreams of stardom.
From the beginning, Meghan seemed to have grand plans to use her newfound fame and royal platform to become a major figure in the entertainment industry. Some believe that her appearance at the Golden Globes in 2013 was a shrewd career start that led directly to her fate as Prince Harry's bride.
However, after "Meghan's Brexit (Megixt)," Meghan didn't rest on her laurels success and royal romance storyline, she had bigger goals. She wants to be a producer like her friend Oprah and create impactful content.
In September 2020, the couple signed a contract with Netflix with an estimated value of 100 million to 1$500 million massive contract. They have pledged to produce documentaries, non-fiction series, feature films, episodic series, and children's programming through their newly formed production company, Archewell Productions.
After that, they also partnered with Spotify to sign an exclusive podcast deal worth more than $25 million. Their ambitions are clearly as grand as their rumored salaries.
However, despite the uproar surrounding their high-profile streaming, the actual output fell far short of expectations. Their Spotify podcast, Archetype, only released a holiday special featuring big-name guests like Elton John and James Corden, and then vanished.
While Prince Harry has released some influential shows that focus on issues such as mental health through this platform, his role is more of that of a presenter than a significant creative force. What about the breakthrough content that drives important conversations?
On Netflix, the couple's only work so far has been a banal documentary called "Unconquerable Heart," about Prince Harry's work at his "invictus games" for wounded veterans. Despite its inspiring mission, critics felt that the film lacked depth and originality.
As Daniela Elser hints at, their slow production schedule doesn't provide a plausible explanation for the astronomical amount of money they're paid, which makes viewers understandably uneasy. Joe Coy's ridicule at the Golden Globes shows that Hollywood insiders find the situation comical, too.
Streaming services and production companies are sparking a cultural boom by launching must-see shows. However, so far, the work of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has failed to excite or motivate audiences. Their content is more like a vanity project than a compelling narrative with an artistic or visionary twist.
To make matters worse, a series of costly PR blunders have damaged their carefully crafted image, which has been crafted through a partnership with Oprah and their archewell**. Talk of what was perceived as awareness-raising or using security concerns to avoid returning to the UK for family gatherings undermined their credibility.
While the causes they support for racial justice, women's rights, and mental health are commendable, their didactic tone is considered untrue by many. As a celebrity, reading a scripted statement is not the same as speaking sincerely from the heart.
Ultimately, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem to have misunderstood a key fact of Hollywood – that it cares more about profit than with activism or privilege. Viewers are showing for great stories and escapism, not to be preached. Their content must rely on its own creativity and value, and not just on royal gossip or controversy.
With 2024 just around the corner, the question remains – will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle be able to deliver a truly boutique piece, or will their deal fade away? To regain momentum, they must put aside the headlines and refocus on the craft of the film industry. It takes great projects, with real content and artistry, to solidify their position in the competitive streaming wars.
Time will tell if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle can evolve from timeless promises to full-fledged producers who create memorable entertainment. Missing out on momentous moments like the Golden Globes shows that royalty, while glamorous, has little influence in the competitive Hollywood. Success depends on the content, not the attached name. The year 2024 brings them new opportunities to show their magic.