Meghan Markle's Netflix safety net is gone after 'champion' departs: experts

Key Points:

• Meghan Markle is no longer in talks to join the Netflix series "The Gentlemen," with sources claiming she was used primarily to promote the show rather than for a substantive acting role.
• The departure of Bela Bajaria, a key Netflix executive and advocate for Harry and Meghan, has left the couple without a strong internal champion at the streaming service, casting doubt on the future of their Netflix projects.
• Meghan's camp has publicly criticized Netflix, signaling a souring relationship, especially after Netflix withdrew from investing in some of her projects and reportedly leaked casting talks for publicity.
• Despite previous announcements of a $100 million deal with Netflix and various projects, the Sussexes' Hollywood ambitions appear to be faltering, coinciding with their move back to the U.K. and Meghan's reported interest in returning to acting.
• Industry experts note that while Meghan's royal status opens doors, her acting career's success will depend on her work, and the timing of these developments suggests the couple is recalibrating their media and professional strategies.