đRebel Royals (2025) Review: Cast, Plot, Release Date & Where to Watch â Netflixâs Bold New Royal Love Story Documentary
- Boxofficehype
- Sep 4
- 3 min read

Love doesnât always follow the rules of tradition. Sometimes it defies them, shakes the establishment, and becomes a story the world canât look away from. Netflixâs upcoming documentary, Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story, dives headfirst into one such tale: the controversial romance between Princess MĂ€rtha Louise of Norway and Hollywoodâs spiritual guru Durek Verrett.
From Emmy-nominated director Rebecca Chaiklin (Tiger King) and Emmy-winning producer Chris Smith (FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened, Wham!), this film peels back the curtain on royal duty, love, spirituality, and media spectacle. The global premiere arrives on September 16, 2025, only on Netflix.
đ The Love Story That Shook a Kingdom
At the heart of the film is the romance between MĂ€rtha Louise, the Norwegian kingâs eldest child, and Shaman Durek Verrett, a Los Angeles-based spiritual guide with celebrity clients and a devoted following. Their relationship has fascinated and divided the public ever since it became official, sparking endless headlines, debates, and cultural clashes.
But beyond the media frenzy, Rebel Royals paints an intimate portrait of two people determined to follow their hearts. We see the couple preparing for their wedding, seeking spiritual balance, and navigating the immense pressures that come with love under the worldâs spotlight.
As MĂ€rtha Louise herself once said: âLove doesnât ask permissionâit just arrives.â
đŹ Behind the Camera
Director Rebecca Chaiklin was immediately captivated by the unusual story after reading about it in Vanity Fair:
âWhen I saw the article about a princess and a shaman falling in love, it instantly caught my eye. MĂ€rtha Louise and Shaman Durek were two completely unexpected, wild, and charismatic characters from totally different worlds, navigating a swirl of controversy and fighting for love. It was a great fish-out-of-water storyâand they were so funny. So I just had to convince them (and the spirits) that I was âlitâ enough to be the one to tell their story.â
With Chris Smith and Stacy Smith joining as producers, the film promises the same sharp, engaging storytelling that defined Netflix hits like Tiger King and FYRE.
đ Synopsis
Controversial shaman to the stars, Durek Verrett, found his soulmate in Princess MĂ€rtha Louise of Norway. But as the two worlds collideâroyal duty and mystical spiritualityâthe question looms: can their love survive the relentless glare of global media and the weight of royal tradition?
đ Release Details
Title:Â Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story
Director:Â Rebecca Chaiklin
Producers:Â Chris Smith, Rebecca Chaiklin, Stacy Smith
Production Companies:Â Library Films, Article 19 Films
Participants:Â MĂ€rtha Louise & Shaman Durek Verrett
Streaming Release:Â September 16, 2025
Platform:Â Netflix
đŻ Why Watch Rebel Royals?
Itâs not just about a royal weddingâitâs about identity, spirituality, and resilience in love.
It offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how royalty and celebrity collide in the modern age.
With Emmy-recognized filmmakers behind it, expect a mix of humor, heart, and controversy.
As the trailer teases, this is not your typical royal romanceâitâs a story of two outsiders challenging centuries of tradition.
đ Final Thoughts
Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story is more than a documentaryâitâs a cultural flashpoint. By pulling viewers into the private and public battles of MĂ€rtha Louise and Shaman Durek, Netflix invites us to reflect on love, freedom, and the price of living authentically in a world that demands conformity.
On September 16, prepare for a royal story unlike any youâve ever seenâone where crowns and crystals collide.



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