Netflix have suggested new projects for Harry and Meghan (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been thrown a lifeline by Netflix bosses which could rescue their Hollywood dream, a highly placed production source has revealed.
Senior figures at the streaming giant have “reached out” to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to suggest new projects that would not only earn them millions of pounds but also rebuild bridges with the company and restore public support, it is claimed.
One idea is for a filmed reunion between Meghan and her long-estranged father Thomas Markle, 81, in the Philippines, where his left leg was amputated below the knee four months ago following two heart attacks and a stroke in his previous retirement home in Mexico.
The source said: “Their relationship is, of course, a deeply personal matter but she made it known she sent a letter to him a week after his surgery.
“So there is still contact and – while this is a very intimate subject – I think a huge number of people want them to reunite and playing the role of family peacemaker is one that could win Meghan millions of hearts among viewers.”
Meghan Markle with her father Thomas (Image: Instagram)
Another is for Harry to host and narrate a two or three-part series that would air next year on the 30th anniversary of the death of his mother Princess Diana.
The source said: “This is probably the only aspect of his tattered ties with his family that still wins him enormous public support and sympathy.
“Many outlets will be doing Diana tributes but the one that is fronted by her son – who everyone remembers as a little boy sadly walking along with her coffin all those years ago – is the one everybody will want to watch.”
Netflix executives are convinced both projects, as well as several others “diplomatically suggested” to the couple, could emulate the success of their six-part 2022 series Harry & Meghan, which still holds the record for the biggest debut of a streaming documentary series.
At the time, it prompted Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos to describe them as “the jewel in our crown,” but a string of subsequent screen failures led to their initial £75million deal not being renewed last year.
The Harry and Meghan documentary on Netflix (Image: Netflix)
The then-Prince Charles with young Prince William and Prince Harry, at the funeral of Princess Diana (Image: Mirrorpix)
The streaming giant now has a “first look” option with the Sussexes, meaning it has first refusal on any projects submitted by the couple’s Archewell production company.
Our source said: “They can strike gold again, just as they did for the first couple of years after they arrived.
“But their success and popularity have both plummeted since and they are going to need a comprehensive attitude readjustment if they want to get back on the gravy train.”
They added: “Ted Sarandos may have unfollowed Meghan on Instagram last month but they still have strong support among key figures at the company who believe they can come good again and rekindle their early success.
“That’s why several are quietly feeding them ideas that they can seriously consider and pitch back to the company in a way that will earn big money and raise their profile again without appearing aloof or bashing Britain’s Royal Family again. Everyone’s had enough of that.”
Archewell was approached for comment.