25 August,2026 12:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Meghan Markle, Guy Richie (Pictures via X)
Meghan Markle's much-anticipated acting comeback has reportedly hit a roadblock, with claims that her potential role in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen has been withdrawn following intense backlash in the UK. The development comes just days after reports surfaced that the Duchess of Sussex was in advanced discussions to join the show's third season.
According to Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, Meghan's reported casting was pulled after the reaction in Britain became too strong for the production to proceed. Brown claimed that the backlash made the situation "untenable" and suggested that the development could pose challenges for Meghan's proposed return to acting in the UK.
The controversy emerged shortly after reports claimed Meghan was being considered for a role in the third season of The Gentlemen. The potential casting was significant as it would mark her first major scripted acting project since she stepped away from the profession following her engagement to Prince Harry. Meghan became globally known for playing Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, leaving the show in 2017.
Interestingly, reports about Meghan's involvement remain contradictory. While Brown has said the casting was withdrawn, other reports claim that discussions have continued and that nothing has changed behind the scenes. Sources cited by news.com.au reportedly dispute the idea that Meghan has been completely dropped, while The Sun has also reported that negotiations could still be ongoing.
Adding to the confusion, Netflix has now officially renewed The Gentlemen for a third season, although Meghan's involvement has not been confirmed. The potential role is reportedly still being developed, meaning the final cast has yet to be decided.
The casting speculation also gained attention because Meghan and Prince Harry are reportedly preparing to spend an extended period back in the UK with their children. Earlier reports suggested that Meghan's possible acting opportunity in Britain could have played a role in their plans to relocate.
For now, neither Meghan Markle nor Netflix has publicly confirmed that she was officially cast, nor have they confirmed that an offer was withdrawn. As a result, the reports remain part of a developing casting story rather than a confirmed setback.
If Meghan ultimately joins The Gentlemen, the project would represent a major return to scripted television. If the reports of her withdrawal prove accurate, however, the controversy could make her comeback in the UK considerably more complicated.
