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- Roadside Attractions picks up Cookie Queens for U.S. release
- Why Cookie Queens drew royal backing
- What the film focuses on: youth, family, and cookie season
- Timing: a new deal amid headlines about Netflix and the Sussexes
- Official responses and denials from both sides
- Key players and what they said
- What to expect when Cookie Queens opens
- How this fits into the Sussexes’ post-royal projects
Fresh from Sundance, the documentary backed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Cookie Queens, has a new U.S. home and a theatrical release on the horizon. The film’s pickup comes amid renewed headlines about the Sussexes’ relationship with Netflix and public moves by their lifestyle brand.
Roadside Attractions picks up Cookie Queens for U.S. release
Roadside Attractions has acquired the U.S. rights to Cookie Queens, the Sundance-featured documentary directed by Alysa Nahmias. The distributor plans a theatrical rollout this summer.
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- Title: Cookie Queens
- Director: Alysa Nahmias
- Distributor: Roadside Attractions (U.S.)
- Projected release: Summer (theatrical)
The film examines the Girl Scout Cookie season as a cultural ritual. It mixes humor with behind-the-scenes moments, tracing the pressures and thrills that surround the annual fundraiser.
Why Cookie Queens drew royal backing
Meghan Markle has long spoken about the film’s appeal. As a former Girl Scout, she connected personally to its themes. Her support is rooted in nostalgia and a desire to highlight modern youth experiences.
Producers and Roadside executives praised Nahmias’ approach. They say the documentary blends warmth and sharp observation. Sundance audiences reportedly reacted enthusiastically.
What the film focuses on: youth, family, and cookie season
Cookie Queens is framed as a coming-of-age story. It captures girls, parents, and the communities that gather around cookie sales. The narrative explores:
- The rituals of cookie season
- Ambition and community pressure
- How tradition meets modern life
The film aims to make a familiar custom feel newly revealing.
Timing: a new deal amid headlines about Netflix and the Sussexes
The Roadside announcement arrived shortly after Meghan confirmed that her brand, As Ever, had ended a collaboration with Netflix. That move renewed interest in the broader business ties between the streaming giant and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Reports surfaced that tensions dated back to 2021. That was when Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey drew wide attention, leading to speculation about communications and approvals between the Sussexes and the streamer.
Official responses and denials from both sides
Representatives for Harry and Meghan denied claims that Netflix had been unaware of the Oprah interview. Their spokesperson called that report “categorically false.”
They also noted that legal teams were involved in dealings with Netflix. The spokesperson framed such counsel as standard practice for complex entertainment agreements.
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, pushed back on the rumors in public comments. She urged readers to verify facts and noted that development pipelines often change.
Bajaria’s take on the relationship
Bajaria said projects move through phases and that networks do not always renew every deal. She confirmed the Sussexes still had work in development with Netflix, while stressing media coverage can misrepresent normal industry shifts.
Key players and what they said
- Alysa Nahmias: Director, creative lead behind Cookie Queens.
- Meghan Markle: Public supporter; cited personal ties to Girl Scouts.
- Roadside Attractions: U.S. distributor, praised the film’s emotional impact.
- Netflix / Bela Bajaria: Addressed speculation, emphasized common deal turnover.
- Sussex spokesperson: Denied claims about lack of notice for the Oprah interview.
What to expect when Cookie Queens opens
Roadside promises a theatrical debut that aims to reach mainstream audiences. The film’s blend of humor and human detail makes it suitable for family and cultural-interest screens.
Industry observers will watch how publicity around the Sussexes affects the film’s attention. The title benefits from both festival buzz and the couple’s high-profile association.
How this fits into the Sussexes’ post-royal projects
Cookie Queens becomes part of a broader slate of works tied to the couple’s brand and production interests. Their collaborations span multiple formats, from documentaries to lifestyle offerings.
Recent moves, like the end of one Netflix partnership, have fueled questions about future alliances. Still, insiders note that deal shifts are routine in Hollywood and development pipelines evolve.
