Rebel Royals: Netflix Chronicles Märtha Louise and Shaman Durek
Netflix unveils a daring documentary exploring the controversial romance between Norway’s Princess Märtha Louise and American spiritual guide Shaman Durek. Set to premiere globally on September 16, 2025, the film captures their unlikely love story and the uproar it has sparked.
The new Netflix documentary Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story turns the spotlight on a romance that has divided a nation. Directed by Rebecca Chaiklin and Chris Smith, the film examines how Princess Märtha Louise of Norway, daughter of King Harald V, fell in love with Durek Verrett, a California-born spiritual guide better known as Shaman Durek.
Their relationship first became public in May 2019 and has been under scrutiny ever since. Critics have accused Verrett of being a “con man” and a “conspiracy theorist,” with controversies fueled by his own claims, such as describing himself as “half reptilian” in the documentary trailer. Despite widespread skepticism, the couple has remained steadfast in their commitment.
In June 2022, Märtha Louise and Shaman Durek announced their engagement, with a wedding set in Geiranger, Norway, on August 31, 2024. Shortly after, the princess stepped back from her royal duties in November 2022 to avoid conflict between her personal ventures and the monarchy’s public role. This marked a turning point, redefining her identity beyond royal expectations.
The film presents not only their romance but also the cultural clash between tradition and personal freedom. Märtha Louise, a self-described clairvoyant, has often been criticized for commercializing her royal title. Yet her decision to prioritize love and authenticity over convention positions her as a symbol of shifting values in modern monarchies.
At the heart of the story lies Shaman Durek’s controversial persona. Born Derek David Verrett in Sacramento in 1974, he has built a following in the wellness and spiritual space, publishing books and offering guidance that blends mysticism with self-help. For some, his presence challenges the credibility of the Norwegian monarchy; for others, it highlights society’s evolving relationship with spirituality.
The documentary does not shy away from these tensions. Instead, Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story leans into the contradictions, weaving together archival footage, interviews, and the couple’s own reflections. It portrays a relationship that is both deeply personal and politically charged, raising questions about the role of royalty in today’s world.
With the global release scheduled for September 16, 2025, audiences will have the chance to decide whether this is a tale of true love against all odds or a cautionary story about the blending of royalty, celebrity, and alternative spirituality. Either way, the documentary promises to be a cultural flashpoint.
