Is Meghan Markle ready to make a comeback in Hollywood? Industry experts believe so, as the Duchess of Sussex recently signed for representation with WME (William Morris Endeavor Entertainment) in California.
This move has sparked speculation about her future in the entertainment industry and the potential for her to become a power player in Tinseltown.
A Strategic Career Move
According to reports, Meghan Markle’s deal with WME has been in the works for several months and is expected to result in significant financial gains for the former actress.
The signing with WME comes after various other agencies vied for her representation since she and Prince Harry relocated to California in 2020.
Christopher Andersen, author of The King, believes that Markle may venture into hosting a daytime syndicated talk show, following in the footsteps of media mogul Oprah Winfrey.
Andersen sees Markle as well-suited for such a role, given her popularity and the support she still enjoys from a significant portion of the viewing public.
He also suggests that Markle could pursue a career path similar to Winfrey’s, involving producing, directing, and other media ventures.
WME: A Powerhouse in Hollywood
WME, led by CEO Ari Emanuel, is renowned for its aggressive deal-making skills, making Emanuel one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures.
The agency’s representation of Markle includes her content creation label, Archewell, which explores film and television production, brand partnerships, and overall business-building.
While acting may not be a primary focus, some industry experts believe that the right role could tempt Markle back into the world of acting.
Markle’s most prominent acting role was in the legal drama series Suits, which she starred in from 2011 to 2018.
Andersen suggests that history has shown individuals with a background in acting, such as Grace Kelly and Oprah Winfrey, occasionally returning to the screen.
He doesn’t rule out the possibility that Markle may be enticed by the right opportunity, especially considering her past success as an actress.
Building a Following and Expanding Her Influence
Doug Eldridge, an agent and celebrity marketing expert, points out that Markle’s tell-all interviews and documentaries have helped create an audience for her.
He sees her approach as a strategic marketing campaign, using perceived victimhood to build an audience and then leveraging that audience for various projects.
Eldridge believes that Markle will need to make her mark to win over a new audience, as she is a polarizing figure among royal watchers.
Eldridge suggests that WME could strategically position Markle in supporting roles in critically and commercially successful projects to highlight her theatrical abilities and financial appeal.
He also emphasizes the importance of Markle strengthening her foundational following and potentially exploring avenues beyond the royal family to broaden her appeal.
A Multifaceted Media Presence
Markle’s recent projects include producing two Netflix documentaries, including the highly successful “Harry & Meghan,” which broke streaming records in its premiere week.
She also hosts the Spotify podcast “Archetypes,” and there are rumors of a potential relaunch of her lifestyle blog, The Tig.
With her global influence and recognition as one of TIME magazine’s most influential people, Markle’s career options seem promising.
However, industry experts note that her connection to the royal family still holds significant market appeal, and leveraging this connection could be key to her future success.
As Markle’s father-in-law, King Charles III, prepares for his coronation in May, Markle remains in California with their two children while Harry makes a brief visit to London.
The couple’s decision to leave the royal family and move to North America was driven, in part, by their allegations of facing racism from the