Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made an appearance at the Sunday morning screening of their documentary Cookie Queens at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25. However, the event did not fill up as expected, with a noticeable number of empty seats in the Eccles Theatre. Approximately 150 seats were unoccupied when the film began, and around 60 remained vacant throughout the screening as only a few people from the waitlist managed to find places.
According to a source, the high cost of tickets could have played a role in the lower turnout. The express badges for the festival, which can cost up to $6,900, may have discouraged some potential attendees. Many individuals who had purchased these expensive passes chose not to attend the couple’s screening, resulting in the unexpected number of empty seats.
Despite the less-than-full audience, Cookie Queens received a positive reception. The documentary follows young Girl Scouts from across the United States as they work to sell cookie boxes. It highlights their dedication, teamwork, and the challenges they face during the annual fundraising campaign.
Before the screening, Meghan addressed the audience, expressing her gratitude for their presence. “Thank you so much for being here bright and early. I know some of you probably had late nights last night, so extra thanks for the effort,” she said. Her comments reflected a lighthearted and warm tone, which was well-received by those in attendance.
The contrast between the turnout for Cookie Queens and other screenings at the festival was striking. For example, Olivia Wilde’s film The Invite premiered the previous night to a full house, with many ticket holders unable to get in. This highlighted the difference in popularity and attendance between various events at the festival.
This year’s Sundance has featured a wide range of films, many of which have drawn large crowds. Audiences were eager to see performances by well-known actors such as Olivia Colman and Natalie Portman. Even lesser-known titles, like Buddy starring Cristin Milioti, attracted full houses, leaving some fans disappointed due to limited seating.
Meghan’s involvement as an executive producer was notable, as she rarely speaks at Sundance events. She suggested that the audience might have been recovering from late-night festivities the night before, which could have contributed to the lower turnout.
Cookie Queens also gained additional attention when the couple made a surprise appearance at another premiere in nearby Salt Lake City. This unexpected visit added to the buzz surrounding the documentary and its creators.
However, despite their efforts, Archewell Productions, the production company founded by the Sussexes, has faced recent challenges. Their Netflix lifestyle show With Love, Meghan is reportedly not returning for a third season, and the company is said to have only a few employees remaining. These developments suggest that the couple’s media ventures are undergoing significant changes.
