Meghan Markle Dropped from ‘The Gentlemen’ — Report
Meghan Markle’s ‘The Gentlemen’ Role Withdrawn Amid UK Backlash
What Happened?
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was reportedly set to join the cast of Netflix’s hit series The Gentlemen for its third season—but that plan has now been scrapped.
According to Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, the casting was withdrawn after intense backlash in the UK made it "untenable to go forward." This news came just one day after reports first surfaced that Meghan was in talks to make her acting comeback in the Guy Ritchie-created crime comedy series.
The Show: What Is The Gentlemen?
Quick Fact: The Gentlemen started as a 2019 crime comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie, starring Matthew McConaughey and Charlie Hunnam. The Netflix series is a spin-off of that movie, with Ritchie serving as creator for both.
- Season 3 has not yet received an official greenlight (formal approval to proceed).
- Meghan was in early discussions to join, per Variety.
Meghan’s Acting Background
Before becoming a royal, Meghan had a successful acting career. Here are her most notable roles:
| Project | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Suits (USA Network) | Rachel Zane | Main role, 7 seasons (her breakout) |
| CSI: NY | Guest star | TV episode |
| 90210 | Guest star | TV episode |
| Horrible Bosses | Small part | Film (comedy) |
| Anti-Social (2015) | Supporting role | Film (crime thriller) |
| When Sparks Fly | Lead | Hallmark TV movie |
| Dater’s Handbook | Lead | Hallmark TV movie |
| Close Personal Friends | Herself (cameo) | Upcoming Amazon comedy with Brie Larson & Jack Quaid |
Big Move: The Sussexes Are Returning to the UK
While the acting news made headlines, there’s an even bigger development: Prince Harry, Meghan, and their two children—Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5)—are expected to move back to Britain this month.
What We Know So Far:
- They left for the US six years ago (2020).
- They plan to live in a property outside London.
- King Charles was informed last Sunday of their return.
- The move comes amid ongoing public scrutiny and media attention.
Netflix Deal: A Second Chance?
The couple has a multi-year production deal with Netflix:
- Original deal (2020): 5 years, reportedly $100 million (£78 million).
- New deal (2023): Fresh multi-year extension signed last year.
- Meghan’s main release so far: With Love, Meghan (lifestyle series).
- Reception: Mostly negative reviews. The Guardian gave it 1 star, calling it "toe-curling stuff."
Important Points to Remember
- The Gentlemen casting was never officially confirmed by Netflix or Meghan’s team.
- The withdrawal was reported by Tina Brown, a well-connected media figure—not an official statement.
- Season 3 of The Gentlemen hasn’t been officially greenlit yet.
- The UK move is reported/understood, not formally announced by the Palace.
- Meghan’s Netflix projects have faced mixed-to-poor critical reception so far.
Summary
| Topic | Status |
|---|---|
| Meghan in The Gentlemen S3 | Reported → Withdrawn due to UK backlash |
| Acting comeback | On hold / uncertain |
| Family relocation to UK | Expected this month (6 years after leaving) |
| Netflix partnership | Active (new multi-year deal signed 2023) |
| Recent project (With Love, Meghan) | Released → Poor reviews |
The Duchess’s potential return to acting hit a wall of public resistance in the UK, while her family prepares for a high-profile move back across the Atlantic. Whether this chapter leads to new creative opportunities—or more scrutiny—remains to be seen.
FAQ
Was Meghan officially cast in The Gentlemen?
No. She was only "in discussions" or "in talks," according to Variety. No official announcement was made by Netflix or her representatives.
Why was the casting withdrawn?
Tina Brown reported that intense backlash in the UK made it impossible to move forward. The exact nature of the backlash wasn’t detailed, but it likely relates to ongoing public sentiment toward the Sussexes in Britain.
Is The Gentlemen Season 3 definitely happening?
Not yet. The season has not received an official greenlight from Netflix. Even without Meghan, it may or may not proceed.
Why are Harry and Meghan moving back to the UK?
The article doesn’t state a specific reason. However, the move comes six years after their departure and follows years of living in California. King Charles has been informed, suggesting some level of family coordination.
How has Meghan’s Netflix work been received?
Her lifestyle series With Love, Meghan received largely negative reviews. The Guardian gave it 1 out of 5 stars, describing it as "toe-curling stuff." Their earlier docuseries Harry & Meghan (2022) had high viewership but polarized critics.