Harry and Meghan’s lucrative Netflix deal is set to be worth up to a whopping $150 million, but the co-CEO of the streaming service has revealed that the former royals approached many major companies before striking up an agreement.
WATCH BELOW: Harry and Meghan receive standing ovation in one of their final events
During an appearance on CNBC, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings admitted he’s “so excited” about the royal deal.
“They’re smart. They were shopping around across all the major companies and I think we really put together the best complete package,” the 59-year-old revealed.
“We are going to do a wide range of entertainment with them.”
Reed added: “I can’t tell you anymore than that about it as this point but I think it will be some of the most exciting, the most viewed content next year.”
Reed’s Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos also addressed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new partnership
“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.”
Though it wasn’t divulged which companies the Sussexes were in talks with, both Harry and Meghan have pre-existing relationships with Apple and Disney.
Meghan famously narrated the Disney+ documentary Elephants, while Harry teamed up with Oprah Winfrey for an Apple TV+ mental health initiative.
Though former actress Meghan has no plans to be in front of the camera, it’s been alleged that the former Suits star is hoping she’ll nab an Academy Award for her producer credits.
“An Oscar is all Meg has ever wanted,” a friend told The Mail on Sunday.
“She used to practise her acceptance speech in the mirror with a hairbrush when she was a kid of seven. She would also practise her signature in preparation for all the autographs she would give.”
The source added: “Her absolute dream was to achieve the EGOT – the grand slam of show business – which is winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award.
“Her acceptance speech has been ready for 30 years. Perhaps now she will get to use it.”
New Idea previously reported that if Meghan were to return to the screen, she could nab a hefty pay cheque for her first role.
“Whatever role she does, everyone is going to want to see her,” InterTalent chairman Professor Jonathan Shalit explained.
“We are talking a $50 million fee – people are going to be fascinated to see her perform at the very start. I think her pulling power both in America and on a global scale is phenomenal.”
Professor Shalit added: “If she goes back to Suits, it would be the biggest TV series in the world.”
Harry and Meghan announced their groundbreaking Netflix move in a bid to create content that “informs, but also gives hope.”
“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 couple said in an official statement.
“Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining a 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.”
