Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain in the headlines, yet their recent foray into Hollywood raises questions about the actual commercial appeal of their brand. Their documentary, “Cookie Queens,” executed by Archewell Productions, showcases four Girl Scouts as they tackle the competitive cookie-selling landscape, focusing on ambition and adolescence. However, it struggled at the box office, earning around $354,000 in its opening weekend across 446 theaters.
In contrast, “CatVideoFest 2026,” a collection of viral cat videos, made about $569,000 despite screening in only 255 theaters, illustrating a rather disappointing debut for the Sussexes’ film.
Experts are beginning to doubt whether Harry and Meghan’s media presence translates into tangible interest from consumers. Kinsey Schofield, a royal commentator, remarked that while they still generate substantial media coverage, that does not equate to paying customers. There was a time when their involvement alone fueled intrigue, but Schofield suspects that has shifted significantly.
Furthermore, it’s difficult to overlook the reality that finishing behind a compilation of internet cat videos fosters a certain humor at their expense—something that may not bode well for their reputation in Hollywood.
Despite Meghan’s personal promotion of the documentary—sharing insights about her experiences as a Girl Scout—Schofield noted that the mustering of publicity doesn’t always guarantee commercialization. The focus is now on how much of their notoriety is favorable versus adverse, and whether that affects ticket sales.
Concerns about the couple’s ability to attract an audience without the allure of royal scandals have amplified. British royal expert Hilary Fordwich pointed out that unlike their projects centered around the monarchy, this new endeavor has not sparked the same level of interest.
After stepping away from royal duties in 2020, the Sussexes have sparked considerable media buzz with their various Hollywood ventures. Their Netflix docuseries, “Harry & Meghan,” which detailed their separation from royal life, generated considerable attention, as did Harry’s memoir “Spare,” yet not every project has met with similar enthusiasm.
Fitzwilliams emphasized that their notoriety stems largely from their previous controversial revelations about the royal family and that the public seems less interested in other types of content associated with them.
In summary, “Cookie Queens” may highlight a deeper issue: the dynamic between public interest and market appeal. Hollywood’s expectations have changed since Harry and Meghan’s debut in California. Now, it’s less about curiosity and more centered on questions of marketability and success. With the novelty of their stories fading, people are increasingly asking, what’s next? They’ve got the infrastructure; now, it’s time for results.
