In a surprise move, the Duke of Sussex’s latest film diverges from the streaming giant deal

In an unexpected twist that’s set the royal and streaming worlds abuzz, Prince Harry has unveiled a new documentary that, in a departure from expectations, premiered on a platform rivalling Netflix. Despite being tied to Netflix in a lucrative five-year agreement reportedly worth a staggering £80 million, the Duke’s latest project concerning the Invictus Games made its debut elsewhere, specifically on Hulu.

Titled Prince Harry’s Mission: Life, Family and the Invictus Games, the documentary shines a spotlight on Harry’s deep-seated connections to the Games, alongside a candid interview conducted by ABC News in Canada in anticipation of next year’s event. The move to Hulu has raised eyebrows and questions regarding the status of the Duke’s hefty Netflix contract, especially as the documentary’s release was not preceded by any public announcements from either the Sussex camp or Netflix.

Industry insiders are keenly observing the potential ripple effects of this development on the existing deal between Harry, Meghan, and the streaming behemoth. A senior television news producer hinted to the Mail Online that the Duke must have been aware of and consented to ABC’s documentary production, suggesting a signed release was necessary for its Hulu debut.

Rumours had previously circulated about the Sussexes’ potential pivot towards a partnership with Paramount Pictures, though Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, has firmly quashed such speculation. Despite this, the unexpected Hulu release has reignited discussions about the future of Harry and Meghan’s streaming endeavours.

The documentary’s Hulu landing comes amid ongoing speculations about the renewal of the Sussexes’ Netflix contract. Industry watchers and royal followers alike are now poised to see how this latest venture influences the couple’s relationship with Netflix and their broader ambitions within the entertainment sphere.

Ryan McCormick, a public relations expert, previously commented on the significance of Bajaria’s support for Meghan and Harry, noting it as a major boon for their standing in Hollywood. The successful reception of their productions, he argued, could not only bolster their credibility but also position them as formidable figures in the industry.

As the dust settles on this surprising turn of events, the conversation around Prince Harry’s strategic media moves—and their implications for his partnership with Netflix—continues to evolve. Whether this Hulu release was a calculated step or an unexpected detour remains a topic of fervent discussion among royal watchers and industry analysts alike