Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's film ventures with Netflix have stalled, with their adaptation of the bestselling novel "Meet Me at the Lake" still without a director or cast nearly three years after its announcement, according to reports.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed in August 2023 that their production company Archewell would bring Carley Fortune's romantic story to screen, with Netflix reportedly paying approximately $3million (£2.2million) for the rights.
Yet the project is thought to remain classified as in development, leaving industry observers perplexed.
"Three years in development for a movie like this at Netflix isn't good," a Hollywood source told Page Six.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle film 'three years in development' as Netflix future questioned
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The prolonged delay has cast doubt over the couple's entire streaming partnership, with their first-look deal now described as "up in the air."
The couple originally secured a lucrative five-year exclusivity agreement with Netflix in September 2020, shortly after stepping back from royal duties, reportedly valued at around £74million.
Under that arrangement, all Archewell Productions content would appear solely on the streaming platform.
However, the Sussexes and Netflix have since quietly parted ways on that exclusive contract, mutually agreeing not to make a formal announcement.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle starred in a documentary on Netflix in 2022
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Their new multi-year first-look deal operates differently, giving Netflix the right of first refusal on projects before the couple can approach other platforms.
The shift came after disappointing performance from several ventures, including Harry's polo documentary, which attracted just 500,000 viewers.
Streaming executives were also reportedly frustrated by Meghan prioritising her As Ever lifestyle brand over Netflix commitments.
Meghan's lifestyle programme "With Love, Meghan" has been dropped after two seasons, with Netflix declining to commission further episodes amid declining audience figures.
Prince Harry and Meghan attending the 'Cookie Queens' Premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in January
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The second series failed to break into the streamer's US Top 10 during its launch week, according to Forbes, though her 2025 holiday special did manage to reach the chart.
The show featured the duchess sharing recipes, crafting gifts and cooking alongside celebrity chefs across eight episodes per season, but viewers responded with harsh criticism.
Industry insiders have warned that the couple's streaming future hangs in the balance without tangible results.
"I don't know how long this new deal is for, but if they don't have anything to show soon, I can't imagine it will be renewed," one source told Page Six.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle being filmed by Netflix during the 2022 Invictus Games
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Another announced project, an adaptation of Jasmine Guillory's romantic novel "The Wedding Date," also remains stuck in development at Netflix.
The couple's documentary "Cookie Queen," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, has yet to secure a distributor despite a positive reception.
Sources close to Archewell told the publication that several scripted and unscripted titles are progressing through normal creative processes, insisting the relationship with Netflix remains positive and collaborative.
Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos is believed to remain on good terms with the couple, while Paramount+ has reportedly expressed interest in working with the Sussexes.
GB News has contacted the Director of Communications for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions, and Netflix for comment.