Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been prominent figures in both royal and media circles since stepping down from their royal duties in early 2020. Despite their fame and extensive public interest, rumors have circulated that Hollywood might be turning its back on the couple. While some suggest their Hollywood aspirations were initially met with enthusiasm, recent speculation hints at a shift. But why would Hollywood, a place known for embracing celebrities, supposedly shun the royal couple?
Here are some key factors that might explain this alleged distance.
Since the couple's departure from royal life, Harry and Meghan have been consistently in the spotlight. Their interviews, notably the explosive sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, as well as their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, and Harry’s memoir Spare, kept them at the forefront of media conversations. However, there's speculation that Hollywood insiders may feel the couple's narrative has been overexposed. Audiences may be experiencing "Sussex fatigue," as constant media appearances can sometimes lead to a public backlash.
After leaving the royal family, Harry and Meghan signed lucrative deals with streaming giants such as Netflix and Spotify. However, while their projects, including their documentary series, generated considerable buzz, not all have lived up to high expectations in terms of content or audience reception. Their Spotify podcast, Archetypes, was notably discontinued after just one season. Hollywood, a competitive and result-driven industry, may be taking note of these underwhelming performances, affecting their perceived viability in future projects.
Hollywood, while known for embracing new talent, often leans on well-established stars with a long history of box-office or media success. While Harry and Meghan are undeniably famous, they don’t fit the typical mold of traditional celebrities who rise through the entertainment industry's ranks. Their fame is rooted in royalty rather than entertainment, which may not translate well into the world of Hollywood power players who prioritize proven entertainment prowess over royal intrigue.
Public opinion of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been mixed. Their initial decision to step down from royal duties was supported by many who viewed it as a brave stance against an intrusive media and rigid royal expectations. However, as their media engagements grew, so did criticisms. Some see their approach as too commercial or accuse them of monetizing their royal titles, which could be at odds with the values of some Hollywood insiders. Public controversies surrounding them might make influential Hollywood figures wary of aligning too closely with the couple.
While Harry and Meghan have largely controlled their own narrative in recent years, some insiders suggest that other influential voices in the entertainment industry may not share their perspective. Hollywood, known for its intricate networks of personal and professional relationships, might be cautious about siding with any particular narrative, especially when it could lead to alienating other prominent figures or powerful institutions.
At its core, the royal world is vastly different from Hollywood. The entertainment industry thrives on its own set of rules, values, and expectations. What works in the media spotlight for royalty doesn’t always translate to success in the entertainment business. Harry and Meghan’s transition from royalty to celebrity might not align seamlessly with Hollywood’s existing power structures and the way it handles fame, publicity, and success.
While reports suggest that Harry and Meghan might be facing challenges in Hollywood, it's also possible that the couple is simply refining their strategy. Hollywood's complex web of relationships and success metrics might be presenting initial hurdles, but with their immense influence and the right partnerships, the couple could still carve out a space for themselves in the entertainment world. Whether they're being "shunned" or simply recalibrating, only time will tell how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will evolve their public-facing ventures.
