Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle (Suits) have signed an overall deal with Netflix, via The Hollywood Reporter. The multi-year deal will see The Duke and Duchess of Sussex develop scripted and unscripted series, film, documentaries, and children programming for the streaming service.
This announcement comes seven months after the couple agreed to resign their roles as active senior members of the British royal family, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The couple agreed to relinquish certain privileges afforded to family members in exchange for a more independent lifestyle. The couple now resides in California.
“Our lives, both independent of each other, and as a couple have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit: of courage, resilience, and the need for connection,” the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said, via The Hollywood Reporter. “Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining light on people and causes around the world, our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope. As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens,” the couple said via The Hollywood Reporter.
“Harry and Meghan have inspired millions of people all around the world with their authenticity, optimism, and leadership,” said Netflix co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Sarandos expressed his interest in working with the couple back in January. “We’re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home — and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere,” Sarandos said via The Hollywood Reporter.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the husband and wife have two projects currently in development. A nature docuseries and an animated series highlighting inspirational women.
“We are pleased to work with Ted and the team at Netflix whose unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action,” the couple said via The Hollywood Reporter. Markle who was an actress prior to becoming royalty signed a previous deal with Disney