Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s documentary Cookie Queens will be released in theaters this Friday, following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Directed by Alysa Nahmias, the film provides a look into the experiences of Girl Scouts during their annual cookie-selling season, focusing on themes such as entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience. Meghan and Harry are the executive producers of the film.

Meghan has shared her personal connection to the project, referencing her past as a Girl Scout and her current role as a mother to Princess Lilibet. A U.K.-based royal commentator, Afua Hagan, noted the film’s importance, emphasizing curiosity around its success and the significance of its ratings.

Why It Matters

The documentary marks Meghan and Harry’s first foray into theatrical film production through Archewell Productions. It arrives at a time when their Netflix TV deal has experienced fluctuations. Success at the box office would establish their ability to attract audiences beyond streaming platforms. Conversely, a lackluster performance may reinforce criticisms regarding the performance of Sussex-backed projects.

Despite potential criticism, Cookie Queens is expected to be less divisive than other Sussex projects, including their interview with Oprah Winfrey, as noted by Hagan.

Cookie Queens

The film follows four Girl Scouts from across America during the six-week cookie-selling season, one of the largest youth fundraising efforts nationally. Through these young girls, the documentary explores deeper themes of childhood, family dynamics, and societal pressures on young girls today.

Participants include Olive, a 12-year-old from North Carolina with a record of selling over 8,000 boxes in a season, and Nikki, a 9-year-old aspiring cookie queen. Shannon Elizabeth, 8, from Texas, aims to earn enough for cookie camp, while Ara, 5, from California, embarks on her first competition. The narrative highlights their journey in setting objectives, engaging customers, and navigating challenges while learning business skills and confidence.

Meghan recently recounted a nostalgic moment related to her Girl Scout past, involving an encounter with a fellow troop member at her daughter’s pre-K drop-off. She hinted at a touching film scene, expressing pride in the accomplishments showcased.

The Challenges of Documentary Success

The documentary debuts amid a challenging time for the genre, with fewer commissions and acquisitions by broadcasters and streaming services. Its theatrical release is a notable achievement, considering the competitive market of cultural and commercial documentary success.

An International Documentary Association article mentioned the difficulties at Sundance 2026. Initially lacking a distributor, Cookie Queens was eventually acquired by Roadside Attractions. Nahmias expressed the hardships facing the documentary market and voiced hope for change in the industry.

The film’s reception could prove pivotal for Meghan and Harry. A strong performance may bolster Archewell’s credibility in producing marketable projects capable of attracting theatergoers. Success would enhance Archewell’s prospects for future documentary ventures and reinforce Meghan’s public advocacy for young female entrepreneurs.

The performance of Cookie Queens will test the Sussexes’ cinematic aspirations, whether it becomes a cultural milestone or achieves modest success.