Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is stepping back in front of the camera for the first time since leaving Suits in 2017.
The actress-turned-royal will appear as herself in the upcoming Amazon MGM Studio comedy Close Personal Friends.
Sources say the move has caused quite a stir across Hollywood, especially given her past ties to Netflix.
A Strategic Choice or a Hollywood Flirtation
Insiders suggest Meghan’s decision to join an Amazon project may be more than artistic—it could be strategic.
After her $100million Netflix deal ended, she opted for Amazon rather than continuing with Netflix, raising eyebrows.
One Disney source commented that Bezos, with his deep pockets, is among the few who could bankroll future Sussex projects both on and off screen.
Star-Studded Cast and High-Profile Connections
The film will see Meghan share the screen with Lily Collins, Brie Larson, and Jack Quaid.
Meanwhile, she and Prince Harry recently attended Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday at Bezos’s $165million Beverly Hills mansion, fueling speculation about their connections in Hollywood.
Bezos has a history of mentoring talent, including Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney, further highlighting the potential opportunity for Meghan’s career.
Netflix Watches Closely
Though Netflix remains a partner for the Sussexes’ lifestyle brand, As Ever, and their holiday show With Love, Meghan, sources say the streamer has “noted” Meghan’s move to Amazon.
The new project comes after a series of mixed results for the couple on Netflix.
Their 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan was a hit, but other projects—including Harry’s Polo documentary and Meghan’s lifestyle series—underperformed.
The Reality Behind Netflix’s Deal
Their original five-year, $100million Netflix deal is widely considered a flop in Tinseltown, and the new first-look arrangement represents a scaled-back partnership.
While Netflix maintains some involvement in their upcoming projects, including a holiday special of With Love, Meghan, insiders say the platform is ready to let the original deal expire quietly.
Balancing Criticism and Career Moves
Critics have not always been kind to Meghan’s Netflix projects, describing With Love, Meghan as “staged” or “contrived,” despite celebrity guests like Chrissy Teigen and Mindy Kaling.
Yet, sources insist Meghan remains in control of her career choices and is using her Hollywood connections wisely to explore opportunities beyond Netflix.
Looking Forward for the Sussexes
For Meghan and Harry, career decisions are about more than streaming numbers—they’re also financial strategy.
Harry has openly stated that their deals were necessary after being cut off financially by the royal family in 2020.
With Amazon projects on the horizon, the couple continues to navigate the intersection of celebrity, business, and creative pursuits in Los Angeles and beyond.