Chiefs at the very top of the US media firm are “ecstatic” to work with The Sussexes, who they view as ‘pioneers’ in their business expansion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had great success with their Netflix shows Harry & Meghan(Image: Netflix)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry retained a multi-million dollar deal with Netflix as they are viewed as “leading brand faces” by the streaming platform, who can generate vast sums of wealth.
Chiefs at the very top of the US media firm are “ecstatic” to work with The Sussexes, who they view as pioneers in their business expansion. Their “true stance” of Netflix comes despite social media and mainstream outlets’ negative comments on the Californian married couple’s extension.
Netflix executives see the co-partnership of creating content, while collaborating in relevant brand partnerships, endorsements and business ventures as “a new avenue”.
The ex-royal pair are seen as a “template” for a new dawn in Netflix’s growing commercial ventures, which could generate tens of millions of dollars.
Harry and Meghan Markle on set With Love, Meghan(Image: Netflix)
An insider insists that central to the outlook is “embracing the commercial reach that talent has while working with Netflix”.
The source noted: “It’s not about just looking at a powerful TV show or film, but the bigger picture for utilizing that exposure globally into business ideas. Disney has done it for decades with products connected to films, but Netflix can push the envelope further with personality being at the centre of their sales.
“Meghan is arguably the most powerful influencer alive with everything she wears, creates or promotes selling out in seconds.
“Harry allows projects and products to also have a ‘Royal seal of approval’. That double whammy allows for enormous potential. Netflix invested in Meghan’s brand As Ever because together they can create their own product universe and then potentially experiences too.
Harry and Meghan still have some star appeal
“So the re-signing of the deal to continue with TV and films means when they hit the screens, much of what fans may be able to buy. The potential for this all is vast – from anything small like an apron Meghan wears in the kitchen to a unique kitchen appliance featured.
“And if all this works out it takes product placement and celebrity endorsements to the next level. For Netflix this type of deal can be a template for how to improve profits and visibility further.
“Initially deals were given to content creators for what they delivered in terms of entertainment. This could mean that other celebrities look to lock in more deals providing both on screen entertainment and a full scale secondary income with brand creation and collaboration.
“There are many millions of dollars to be made if this comes good.”
Sources say that while “on the face of it” the second deal appears to be a lesser figure for the Sussexes than the $100m signing deal back in 2020 – it is a “little more complicated.”
The source revealed: “Look people were bandying around the $40m figure. And that could be true. But the sums that could be generated from these clever plans could be triple that.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Netflix(Image: Netflix)
The source laughed: “It is quite brilliant. Materials will get showcased on these projects, and then everyone sits back and counts the cash. It is a very smart strategy.”
Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos has publicly spoken about the reach and appeal of Meghan and Harry.
Sarandos said: “I think Meghan is underestimated in terms of her influence on culture,” he said. “When we dropped the trailer for the Harry & Meghan doc series [in 2022], everything on-screen was dissected in the press for days. The shoes she was wearing sold out all over the world. The Hermès blanket that was on the chair behind her sold out everywhere in the world.”
He told Variety: “People are fascinated with Meghan Markle, “She and Harry are overly dismissed.”
The Duchess of Sussex’s cooking series With Love, Meghan debuted in the global top 10. Its second season is currently running while a Christmas Special is planned.