Cookie Queens, a Girl Scout documentary executive-produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, failed to make waves at the box office this weekend. In fact, it was even outperformed by a 70-minute cat compilation video.
Directed by Alysa Nahmias, Cookie Queens follows four tenacious American Girl Scouts in their attempt to become the top Girl Scout Cookie seller. Months after its world debut in January at the Sundance Film Festival, it opened August 7 in 446 theaters to $327,797 worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.
That figure was not enough to break the documentary into the weekend’s Top 10 releases. Among those that did make the cut, however, was Will Braden’s CatVideoFest 2026, a compilation of the best cat videos submitted by fans, which landed in 10th place. Despite having only been released in 255 theaters, it earned $568,414 globally.
Reacting to Cookie Queen’s muted theatrical reception, an industry source told The Times of London, “Not taking the good name of the world’s No. 1 cat video festival in vain, this is by any measure a pretty pitiful return.”
The film’s distribution rights were acquired by Roadside Attractions, which is known for its distribution of Morgan Spurlock’s famous Super Size Me documentary. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex served as executive producers through their company, Archewell Productions.
“As a former Girl Scout myself, with my mom as my troop leader, I have a personal affinity for this film and am proud that Archewell Productions has partnered with this award-winning team to executive produce this incredibly captivating film,” Meghan previously said, adding, “Alysa’s creative point of view, the edgy yet humanizing tone and tenor of the directing, and the glimpse behind-the-scenes into such a nostalgic and also modern tradition of Girl Scout Cookie season are absolutely irresistible.”
The Independent has contacted Archewell Productions for comment.
In a comment to Deadline, Roadside Attractions noted that Cookie Queens performed well at specialty venues that traditionally screen documentaries, as well as multiplexes where Girl Scouts and former troop members helped drive attendance.
“We’re encouraged by the response,” they said, “and believe the film has a long life ahead as it continues to reach its many audiences.”
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Cookie Queens is Archewell Productions’ latest project, following the second season of Meghan’s lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, in 2025.
Founded in 2020, after Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior members of the British royal family, the company has produced a handful of documentaries and docu-series, including Masaka Kids, a Rhythm Within (2025), Polo (2024), Live to Lead (2022) and Harry & Meghan (2022).