Harry and Meghan ‘told by Netflix to come up with more must-watch shows if they want to be paid £40million’
HARRY and Meghan have been told to come up with more must-watch shows for Netflix if they want to be paid £40million in outstanding fees, it is claimed.
The couple’s six-part soul-baring series was the streaming giant’s most-viewed documentary.
But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are believed to have been paid only half of their reported £81million contract.
And they will get the rest only if they produce content of real interest, an industry source has revealed.
The source said the US giant is happy with the viewing figures for the couple’s Harry & Meghan series.
It proves they can be box-office hits with the right format.
But if no suitable follow-ups can be agreed, the outstanding cash will not be handed over, it is claimed.
But the couple will not face a public split similar to their one with Spotify.
Their Archewell company’s £18million deal with the platform was ended by mutual agreement after Meghan, 41, produced only 13 broadcasts in two-and-a half years.
The industry source said of the Netflix arrangement: “There’s no question of a headline-grabbing, public parting of the way.
“Netflix was pleased to sign Harry and Meghan and is looking for some great ideas going forward.
“But the remainder of the deal relies on them producing those good ideas. The deal’s continually under review which is normal for ones of this magnitude.”
Last week The Sun on Sunday quoted a Netflix insider claiming “the lemon has been fully squeezed”.
Harry’s series Heart of Invictus about the Olympic-style games he started for wounded ex-service competitors is due to air in August.
But Meghan’s animated series Pearl, about a girl inspired by historical female figures, was dropped.
Netflix bosses are awaiting the final series of royal drama The Crown featuring the early stages of William and Kate’s relationship.
Respected news agency Bloomberg reported Prince Harry, 38, had wanted to interview Russian president Vladimir Putin and former US president Donald Trump for Spotify.