Meghan Markle’s acting comeback in ‘The Gentlemen’ falls apart but there’s more to the story
Meghan Markle’s much-anticipated Hollywood comeback has been thwarted by controversy, according to Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. Brown tweeted that the Duchess of Sussex’s role in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s gangster series ‘The Gentlemen’ has been canceled. “The backlash in the UK was so intense, it became untenable to go forward,” Brown wrote, noting that the cancellation “does not bode well for Meghan’s acting comeback in the UK.” Neither Netflix nor Markle's representatives have officially commented on the report. However, the claim that Meghan’s role in the series has been canceled has been met with skepticism. Media critic and filmmaker Neil Sean responded on social media, calling the story a “total fabrication” and insisting, “It was never on — I know #guyritchie.”
Just days prior, News.com.au reported that Meghan had been “offered a role in an upcoming project based in the UK.” The Hollywood Reporter later confirmed the Duchess of Sussex was in advanced negotiations to star in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series ‘The Gentlemen,’ noting that a part has been written specifically for her. The reports came days after Meghan and Harry announced their plans to relocate to the UK. Entertainment reporter Bronte Coy told BBC Radio 4’s Today that Meghan’s acting career was a factor in their decision to move. Coy mentioned that Meghan was “very excited about it”, saying it was “such a key part of the puzzle” to their return to the UK.
Meghan Markle starred in ‘Suits’ as Rachel Zane for seven seasons before exiting the role in 2017, the year before she married Prince Harry. She previously told the BBC, “I don't see it as giving anything up. I see it as a change. It’s a new chapter.” Her most recent acting role was in Amazon MGM’s ‘Close Personal Friends’ last year, in which she played a version of herself. Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry’s relationship with Netflix has also soured, as their original overall deal with the streamer was restructured last year to a first-look project deal. Additionally, Netflix also exited the couple’s lifestyle brand earlier this year. On the other hand, the second season of ‘The Gentlemen,’ which stars Theo James, premieres on September 3, 2026. Netflix has yet to formally renew the series for a third season.
