Meghan Markle’s Sundance Disaster: When the Spotlight Turns Against Her

Meghan Markle’s documentary Cookie Queens, which she executive produced, premiered at Sundance 2026 with much fanfare—or so it was supposed to be.

The reality was starkly different: the screening failed to sell out, with roughly 150 empty seats in the prestigious Eckles Theater.

This was especially glaring given that just the night before, other films starring major Hollywood names sold out completely, turning away hundreds of ticket holders.

The festival, founded by Robert Redford and known as a premier platform for independent filmmakers, typically sees packed theaters, especially when royalty or high-profile celebrities attend.

Meghan and Prince Harry’s inability to fill seats sent a clear message—Hollywood’s enthusiasm for the Sussexes is waning.

Adding to the awkwardness, Meghan broke traditional film festival protocol by inserting herself into the spotlight.

Instead of letting the documentary’s director, Alisa Namias, introduce the film, Meghan took the stage first and delivered a lengthy speech that many described as self-aggrandizing.

The director was left waiting on the sidelines, highlighting Meghan’s desire to dominate attention even in spaces usually reserved for filmmakers.

The documentary itself, focusing on Girl Scouts selling cookies, was met with skepticism.

Critics noted Meghan’s inability to name her favorite Girl Scout cookie, a question that seemed simple but exposed a lack of genuine connection to the subject.

When asked if she planned to enroll her daughter in Girl Scouts, Meghan’s vague and hesitant response only deepened doubts about her authenticity.

It later emerged that Cookie Queens was an independent project completed well before Meghan and Harry became executive producers.

They bought into the film late in the process, contributing no creative input but leveraging their Archwell brand to attach their names.

Netflix, which holds a first-look deal with the couple, declined to pick up the film, forcing the Sussexes to shop it around at Sundance—a clear sign that major distributors see limited value in their projects.

This Sundance setback follows the cancellation of Meghan’s Netflix cooking show Love, Megan, and a string of underperforming Archwell documentaries.

Industry insiders suggest that the couple’s royal fame no longer translates into box office draw or streaming success.

The public also scrutinized Meghan’s appearance and demeanor.

Critics mocked her heavily bronzed makeup and oversized outfit, describing her look as unpolished and unprofessional for such a high-profile event.

Observers noted her forced interactions with children on the red carpet as awkward and insincere, further damaging her public image.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s recent emotional testimony in a UK court about media intrusion contrasted sharply with his and Meghan’s public appearances at Sundance.

The juxtaposition of his courtroom vulnerability and their red carpet smiles fueled accusations of hypocrisy.

Many commentators argue that Meghan and Harry want to have it both ways—seeking privacy while simultaneously craving celebrity status and media attention.

This contradiction undermines their credibility and alienates audiences.

The Sundance experience has become a symbol of the Sussexes’ declining star power and the challenges they face in carving out a successful post-royal career.

As one royal expert put it, Hollywood is no longer interested in what they have to offer, and their projects increasingly fail to resonate.

In the end, the empty seats and awkward moments at Sundance send a clear message: Meghan Markle’s carefully crafted narrative is unraveling, and the entertainment industry is not buying what she’s selling.