The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are facing a significant setback in their journey to establish themselves in the world of Hollywood.
According to recent reports, the couple is no longer being taken “seriously” by the industry. The news comes as the latest in a series of challenges for the couple as they try to build their brand in the entertainment world, particularly in the United States.
While Meghan and Harry have garnered widespread attention since stepping down from their royal duties in 2020, their foray into Hollywood has not been as smooth as they might have hoped.
A recent report from the Mail suggests that Hollywood insiders are beginning to lose interest in the couple, with many expressing skepticism about their future prospects in the industry.
A notable moment that has raised questions about the couple’s standing in Hollywood was their absence from WME’s (William Morris Endeavor) star-studded Emmy party in Beverly Hills.
WME is one of Hollywood’s most influential talent agencies, and Meghan Markle signed with them in April 2023, hoping to boost her entertainment ventures.
Despite her representation by the agency, neither Meghan nor Harry attended the exclusive Emmy bash, which was attended by a host of A-listers.
It is unclear whether the couple was not invited to the event or if they declined to attend, but their absence has only fueled the growing whispers about their dwindling influence in the Hollywood elite.
The Mail reported that the Sussexes’ absence from such a high-profile gathering reinforced rumors that the entertainment industry harbors “genuine dislike and distrust” towards them.
This revelation is particularly surprising given Meghan’s longstanding ties to the industry as an actress, and her efforts to reestablish her career outside of the royal fold.
Since signing with WME, the agency has been tasked with overseeing Meghan’s business ventures, including film and television production, brand partnerships, and other media opportunities.
However, it seems that the anticipated success has not materialized as planned, with some in Hollywood beginning to doubt the couple’s viability in the competitive world of entertainment.
Insiders within the Hollywood community have shared mixed views on the couple’s ability to transition from royalty to entertainment powerhouses.
According to one senior figure in the industry, there is a sense of “schadenfreude with extra venom” surrounding the couple, as the entertainment business relishes in the struggles of once-prominent figures who fail to meet expectations.
The source noted, “It was only a matter of time before the industry press started taking shots. It’s hard to find anyone with a good word to say for their film and television credibility.”
Such sentiments suggest that the mainstream Hollywood scene may never have taken the couple seriously to begin with.
While Harry and Meghan have certainly made headlines since relocating to California, their actual contributions to film and television are limited.
Many industry giants view their entertainment ventures, including their deal with Netflix and the release of Harry’s memoir Spare, as lacking the substance or professionalism expected from true Hollywood insiders.
Despite high-profile deals and significant media attention, their projects have faced mixed reviews.
For example, their much-anticipated Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, drew large viewership but also sparked controversy, with many critics questioning the authenticity and motivation behind the content.
Additionally, Prince Harry’s personal documentary, Heart of Invictus, released in 2023, received moderate reception but did not make the significant cultural impact that was perhaps anticipated.
Another factor contributing to Hollywood’s growing discontent with the Sussexes is their contentious relationship with the media.
Since moving to the United States, Harry and Meghan have positioned themselves as outspoken advocates for privacy, often criticizing the British press for what they describe as unfair and invasive coverage.
However, this stance has occasionally conflicted with their own media projects, where they have been accused of sharing personal details in exchange for public attention.
For Hollywood, which thrives on a balance between public persona and private life, the couple’s selective approach to media exposure has not always resonated well.
While their royal background gave them immediate access to the world’s spotlight, sustaining that attention in a way that aligns with Hollywood’s expectations has proven to be more challenging.
Read More: Prince Andrew’s State of Mind Worries Royals After Amazon’s Scandal Exposed
Moreover, the couple’s relationship with certain key figures in the entertainment world has reportedly soured over time.
Some insiders claim that Harry and Meghan’s attempts to navigate Hollywood on their own terms have alienated them from industry giants who value collaboration and a certain degree of humility.
One source mentioned that mainstream Hollywood “never truly embraced them,” perhaps viewing their sudden entry into the industry as opportunistic rather than earned.
Despite the setbacks, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain determined to carve out their place in Hollywood.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still represented by WME, and they continue to work on various projects, including content creation for streaming platforms.
However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the couple will need to recalibrate their approach if they hope to gain lasting traction in the entertainment world.
As Hollywood insiders grow more vocal about their skepticism, the Sussexes may face greater difficulty securing future deals that align with their vision of storytelling and brand building.
For now, the couple’s journey in the entertainment industry remains uncertain. While they have access to unprecedented media attention, turning that attention into a successful and respected career in Hollywood may prove to be more difficult than anticipated.
The coming months will be critical for Prince Harry and Meghan as they navigate their next moves, both in entertainment and within the public eye.
They will need to address the growing criticisms and work toward producing content that resonates with audiences beyond their royal titles, focusing on meaningful, well-executed projects that demonstrate their commitment to their new careers.
For now, it seems that Hollywood’s enthusiasm for the couple has cooled, leaving their future prospects in the industry in limbo.
