The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is reportedly in advanced discussions to make a return to acting with a role in the upcoming third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series, The Gentlemen. While details remain scarce, including the number of episodes she might feature in, the potential casting represents a significant step back into the entertainment industry for the Duchess, who stepped away from her acting career after marrying Prince Harry.
A Potential Acting Comeback
The series, The Gentlemen, is filmed in the United Kingdom and draws inspiration from Ritchie’s 2019 film of the same name. The show’s narrative centers on a British aristocrat, portrayed by Theo James, who inherits his family’s estate only to discover it serves as a front for a large-scale cannabis operation. Although a third season has not been officially greenlit, the first season achieved considerable success on the Netflix platform, suggesting a strong likelihood of its continuation.
This news follows earlier reports from entertainment sources indicating that Meghan had been presented with an acting opportunity in a British-based project. Individuals close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not refuted these claims, adding weight to the speculation surrounding her potential return to the screen.
Relocation and Family Plans
The reported acting offer coincides with Prince Harry and Meghan’s preparations to return to the UK with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The family is expected to transition from their residence in the United States to a private home, reportedly located outside London. Their children are understood to have already been enrolled in a British school in anticipation of the new academic term.
Sources suggest that the prospect of a new acting role was a contributing factor, though not the sole reason, behind the family’s decision to relocate. This move signifies a new chapter for the Sussexes as they navigate life as private citizens and non-working royals.
Meghan’s Acting History
Meghan Markle gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Rachel Zane, a sharp lawyer in the popular US legal drama Suits. She starred in seven seasons of the show before concluding her acting career in 2017, coinciding with the public announcement of her relationship with Prince Harry and her impending transition into royal life. At the time of her departure from acting, she described it as embarking on “a new chapter.”
More recently, Meghan made a brief return to the screen, appearing as herself in the upcoming comedy Close Personal Friends. This project featured alongside notable actresses such as Lily Collins and Brie Larson, marking her first on-screen appearance in nearly a decade.
Archewell Productions and Netflix Deal
Despite stepping back from acting, Meghan and Prince Harry have remained active in the entertainment sphere through their production company, Archewell Productions. The couple entered into a substantial five-year deal with Netflix, reportedly valued at US$100 million. This partnership has yielded several projects, including a docuseries chronicling their lives, a documentary focused on polo, and the lifestyle series With Love, Meghan. However, reports from Variety indicated a cooling of relations between Archewell Productions and Netflix executives, with some of their projects failing to achieve significant viewership milestones.
Future Endeavors and Royal Context
The Sussexes intend to maintain their residences in Montecito, California, and Portugal. Meghan is also expected to continue managing her US-based lifestyle brand, As Ever, from the UK. Their decision to step down as working royals means they will operate as private citizens, focusing on their personal and professional ventures.
Prince Harry is reportedly keen on mending his relationship with his father, King Charles III. It is understood that his hope is that by returning to Britain and refraining from public commentary on sensitive family matters, he can help rebuild trust. Meghan’s potential return to acting also brings renewed attention to her earlier decision to leave the profession upon joining the Royal Family. Royal biographer Andrew Morton has previously suggested that the late Queen Elizabeth II had indicated Meghan could pursue acting if she did not wish to commit to full-time royal duties, stating that opportunities to continue her career were available to her.
