Meghan Markle has been linked with a return to acting in Britain after reportedly holding preliminary talks over a role in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix crime drama The Gentlemen.
The Duchess of Sussex was reported to be under consideration for a part in a potential third series of the hit show, which is filmed in the UK.
However, the situation remains far from confirmed — and fresh reports now claim the proposed casting may already have been dropped.
Deadline reported that discussions involving Meghan were at a very early stage and described them as hypothetical, with no specific character identified. Crucially, Netflix has not yet officially commissioned a third season.
The speculation comes as Prince Harry and Meghan prepare to spend an extended period in Britain, while retaining their home in California.
Third series has not yet been commissioned
Despite reports suggesting Meghan could join season three, there is currently no confirmed third season.
Season two is due to arrive on Netflix on September 3, with Theo James and Kaya Scodelario returning as Eddie Horniman and Susie Glass.
Netflix has officially confirmed the September 3 release date but has yet to announce another renewal.
That means any discussions concerning Meghan necessarily relate to a series which may still depend on Netflix giving it the go-ahead.
Reports casting opportunity has been withdrawn
There has since been another twist.
Reports published this weekend say the possibility of Meghan joining the programme has been withdrawn following reaction to the original story.
The claim originates from former Vanity Fair and New Yorker editor Tina Brown, who said she had learned the proposed casting was no longer going ahead.
However, there has been no official confirmation from Netflix, Guy Ritchie or Meghan’s representatives that an offer was formally made and subsequently withdrawn.
For that reason, reports that Meghan has definitively been “dropped” should currently be treated cautiously.
Potential return to acting
If a substantial television role eventually materialises, it would represent a significant return to Meghan’s former profession.
Before marrying Prince Harry, she was best known for playing Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits.
She stepped away from the programme and acting ahead of her marriage in 2018.
Her possible involvement with The Gentlemen would inevitably generate enormous attention for the series, particularly given the programme’s British setting and the Sussexes’ renewed links with the UK.
For now, however, three important points remain: season three has not been commissioned, Meghan had not signed a contract, and reports that the proposed role has now been withdrawn remain unconfirmed by the principal parties involved.
UKNIP will update this story if Netflix, Guy Ritchie or representatives for the Duchess confirm further details.
