Friends of the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, have expressed concerns that her name may have been used as a promotional tool for the Netflix series “The Gentlemen.” Although Markle was previously considered for a role in the third season of the show, it has emerged that she is no longer in discussions with the streaming giant.
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Sources close to Markle informed The Telegraph that they suspect her potential involvement was released to the media to create hype around the upcoming season. One insider stated, “Some people in her camp feel she was used to help promote season two because they knew it wasn’t as good as the first season and had already commissioned a third.” The same source also pointed out that the practice of leaking news about big names being considered for roles is a common marketing tactic, designed to generate interest without any real commitments.
“The Gentlemen” Season 2, which features actors such as Theo James and Kaya Scodelario, made its debut on Netflix on 3 September. Following its release, Netflix confirmed that a third season had already been greenlit and was in pre-production as of late August, with scripts still being finalised.
Earlier reports indicated that discussions regarding Markle’s involvement were in their initial phases. Although the specifics of the role were still being developed, it was suggested that it could have been her most prominent acting assignment since she departed from her previous role in the legal drama “Suits.” Markle portrayed Rachel Zane for seven seasons, and her return to acting had been a topic of speculation among fans and insiders alike.
Markle herself had previously suggested that she was not looking to return to acting when she told Variety in 2022 that she was “done” with the profession. Nonetheless, she did recently film a cameo for “Close Personal Friends,” an upcoming film that also stars Lily Collins and Jack Quaid, although a release date for that project remains unconfirmed.
In recent years, both Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, had reportedly been exploring her return to acting. They even engaged in discussions regarding new opportunities prior to the announcement of their move back to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This transition took place just days before the family’s arrival in Britain on 26 August, a move that has sparked considerable media interest.
Their children began school in Britain in September, as the family looks to establish a more permanent base in the UK. Reports have indicated that while they seek a non-royal residence likely situated outside of London, they plan to maintain their home in Montecito, California, as well as a holiday property in Portugal.
A source close to Prince Harry revealed to PEOPLE that the couple aims to have a gradual presence in the UK, stating, “Step by step, they want to be in the U.K. They want to have the time and give the kids the opportunity to be here.” This reflects Harry’s sense of connection to Britain, which he has deeply missed. The source added, “He’s missed that sense of connection and belonging. Britain is still home in many ways.”
As the Duchess navigates her career and family life, it remains to be seen what projects will materialise for her in the future. For now, it appears that any involvement with “The Gentlemen” has been sidelined, sparking discussions about Hollywood’s often fraught relationship with celebrity speculation.