Hollywood's elite gathered at Netflix's star-studded season launch event at the historic Egyptian Theatre last night, but the focus was not on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who found themselves the target of mockery by comedian John Mulaney. The lavish gathering saw prominent figures like Ben Affleck and Tina Fey discussing their latest projects, yet the Sussexes' presence—both physically and conversationally—was markedly absent.
During the event, Mulaney took aim at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, humorously comparing their lucrative Netflix deal to his upcoming chat show. "This is a really fun experiment. Not since Harry and Meghan has Netflix give more money to someone without a specific plan," he quipped, eliciting snickers and disbelief from the audience. Mulaney's remark pointedly highlighted the increasing criticism surrounding Harry and Meghan's contributions to the platform.
The Duchess's upcoming lifestyle show, titled With Love, Meghan, aimed to showcase her culinary talents and is now slated to launch on March 4, 2025, after delays attributed to the recent LA wildfires. Yet, even this highly anticipated project received little attention during the event, sparking concern among attendees about the Sussexes' dwindling status within Netflix's favor.
Sources at the event reported feelings of surprise at Netflix’s decision to allow such mockery of Harry and Meghan during what was deemed a prestigious gathering. One attendee stated, "It was shocking to me, as the head honchos were all there, to allow Meghan and Harry to be ridiculed at such a prestigious event." The audience's reaction to Mulaney's punchline signals not only diminishing affiliations with the Sussexes but reflects broader audience sentiment.
Since signing what was reported to be a $100 million five-year deal with Netflix back in 2020, Harry and Meghan's collaborative projects have met with mixed reviews. Their initial docuseries, Harry and Meghan, was popular, but follow-ups like Heart of Invictus and Live to Lead have received criticism. Their most recent release, Polo, centered around Prince Harry's favorite sport, was described by critics as "unintentionally hilarious," raising questions about the couple's relevance and appeal to audiences.
The lavish Netflix event was brimming with highlights from upcoming projects across various genres, yet the absence of Meghan's show within promotional materials hinted at Netflix's apparent distancing from the Sussexes. Even Tyler Perry, who famously extended his home to the couple following their departure from royal duties, received mentions during the event, signaling how they have become overshadowed.
Hollywood insiders speculate whether the Sussexes' show, which had been touted as their major return to the screen, is undergoing re-editing rather than simply being delayed due to the devastating wildfires. Some insiders have expressed doubts about its future viability, leading to chatter about the couple's diminishing influence within the entertainment industry.
The scrutiny faced by Harry and Meghan has also extended to media portrayals, with outlets like Vanity Fair releasing lengthy profiles outlining unflattering insights, including allegations about Meghan's treatment of staff and speculation about potential future career moves following a divorce. Such narratives have been met defensively, with supporters asserting the couple's dedicated and caring nature, contrasting sharply with the media's criticisms.
Despite facing backlash and criticisms, the countdown to the release of With Love, Meghan continues. The show promises eight episodes featuring celebrity friends and is expected to highlight Meghan's passion for cooking, gardening, and home life—elevated mediums reminiscent of Martha Stewart's earlier television forays. “I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me,” Meghan expressed, reflecting optimism amid the challenges.
Yet, the broader question lingers: can Meghan and Harry regain favor within Hollywood and among viewers? The mockery they faced at the Netflix event, alongside whispers of their reduced presence within the Netflix fold, paints a vividly changing narrative for the couple. For now, their Hollywood dream remains tempered by the realities of public perception and industry expectations.