Harry and Meghan Venture into Fiction: Acquire Rights to Best-Selling Novel for Netflix Adaptation

In a bold move following the termination of their Spotify deal, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have acquired the rights to adapt the best-selling romantic novel, “Meet Me At The Lake,” into a film for Netflix according to The Sun. This marks a significant shift for the couple, as they transition from personal documentaries to fiction production.

The novel, penned by former journalist Carley Fortune, is a romantic tale that resonates with the Duke and Duchess’s real-life relationship. It explores themes such as childhood trauma, mental health, and post-natal depression, and even includes elements of drug use. The book, set near Toronto where Meghan resided when she began dating Harry, sold an impressive 37,000 copies in the first week of its release in May.

The acquisition of the book rights, estimated to have cost up to £3 million, is the first major deal for the couple since they lost their £16 million Spotify contract. It also marks the first time Archewell Productions has paid to adapt a novel into a fictional drama as part of their reported £80 million Netflix deal.

However, the production has been delayed due to a prolonged strike by Hollywood screenwriters. An insider revealed that the book’s themes captivated the couple, making it their first choice for adaptation with Netflix.

Despite the excitement, some have questioned why Penguin Random House, the publishers of the novel, sold the rights to Harry and Meghan. PR expert Mark Borkowski expressed surprise, stating that there are many exceptional drama producers out there, and it’s puzzling why such a valuable asset would be given away.

The couple’s Netflix deal was reportedly under threat, signed just six months after they stepped back from their royal duties to start a new life in California. Despite the challenges, their Netflix docu-series, “Harry & Meghan,” broke viewing records.

However, they lost their Spotify deal this year after releasing only a few podcasts. Insiders revealed that the couple will no longer front TV series or write books about themselves, choosing instead to focus on more scripted fiction and spotlighting other characters.

“Meet Me at the Lake,” which spent two weeks in the top ten of the New York Times Best Sellers List, deals with issues that Harry and Meghan have openly discussed. The Duke has admitted to drug use in the past, and they both have spoken about their struggles with mental health.

The author, Carley Fortune, is a Toronto native, and the city is also where Meghan lived for seven years while starring in the drama series “Suits.” The book is gaining a cult following, and it will be interesting to see how the couple’s first venture into fiction production unfolds.