Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are producing a new wedding-centered film for Netflix, adapting Jasmine Guillory’s bestselling novel “The Wedding Date,” despite a track record of mixed success with the streaming giant. The announcement, first reported by Deadline and confirmed by Guillory on social media, marks another step in the couple’s evolving media career through their Archewell Productions.
“The Wedding Date,” published in 2018, is a romantic comedy that follows career-focused political strategist Alexa Monroe, who agrees to be a fake date for Drew Nichols after they meet in an elevator. The novel, praised for its charm and warmth, is the first in a six-book series, with Tracy Oliver, writer of “Girls Trip,” tapped to adapt the screenplay. Oliver will produce alongside Harry and Meghan, who have signed on as executive producers for the project.
This new film continues Archewell’s relationship with Netflix, which began in 2020 with a $100 million multi-year deal. However, earlier this year, the couple agreed to a new first-look deal with the streamer for significantly less pay, as reported by Page Six. The adjustment comes after some of their previous projects failed to meet expectations, highlighting the challenges in their post-royal media ventures.
Among their past Netflix endeavors are the documentary series “Harry & Meghan,” which provided an intimate look at their lives, and “Heart of Invictus,” focusing on the Invictus Games. Meghan’s lifestyle show “With Love, Meghan” saw its second season and a holiday special underperform, failing to crack Netflix’s Top 10 lists, according to industry reports.
In addition to “The Wedding Date,” Harry and Meghan are developing other projects for Netflix. These include a film adaptation of Carley Fortune’s novel “Meet Me at the Lake” and a documentary about the Girl Scouts of America titled “Cookie Queens,” set to premiere at the 2026 Sundance Festival. Their production company is also behind “Masaka Kids: A Rhythm Within,” a documentary on a Ugandan children’s dance group.
The couple’s move into film production parallels that of other high-profile figures, such as former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, whose Higher Ground company has a similar deal with Netflix. This shift from royal duties to media entrepreneurship has been closely watched, with each project scrutinized for its commercial and critical reception.
Despite past flops, the new wedding film represents a strategic push into the romantic comedy genre, which could appeal to a broad audience. Industry observers note that Netflix values the global attention that Harry and Meghan bring, even as they navigate the pressures of delivering hit content. Their ability to secure ongoing deals suggests a continued partnership, albeit on revised terms.
Looking ahead, no release date or casting details have been announced for “The Wedding Date” adaptation. The production is in early stages, with further developments expected in the coming months. As Harry and Meghan expand their slate, the success of this project could influence their future in the competitive streaming landscape.
