Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Hollywood project upstaged by internet cat videos
A documentary executive produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle through Archewell Productions experienced a disappointing opening weekend at the box office, grossing approximately $354,000 across 446 theaters. Titled Cookie Queens, the film follows four American Girl Scouts navigating the competitive annual cookie-selling circuit. Despite high-profile backing and personal promotion by the Duchess of Sussex, the project was outperformed by CatVideoFest 2026. Compiled by filmmaker Will Braden, the viral feline clip collection brought in roughly $569,000 while screening in only 255 theaters. Box Office Mojo figures indicate CatVideoFest averaged $2,230 per screen, compared to just $790 per theater for the Sussex-backed project. The stark commercial disparity has drawn intense media commentary regarding the commercial pull of celebrity executive producer credits when applied to niche social documentaries versus grassroots, internet-driven event cinema.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
- Articles Published:
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- Left 6%, Center 87%, Right 6%
Left: Highlighted broader indie documentary distribution hurdles and exhibition realities. Center: Reported verified box office ticket numbers and theater metrics objectively. Right: Emphasized celebrity brand limitations and public perception challenges.
Box Office Mojo data published opening weekend ticket sales figures. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt32345678/
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Harry and Meghan-produced Girl Scout Cookie doc beaten at the box office by cat video compilation
The Independent Rolling StoneFrom Center
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Hollywood project upstaged by internet cat videos
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Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's box-office flop shows 'infamy' doesn't equal success: expert
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