Meghan Markle is reportedly set to appear in season three of Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, despite intense UK backlash that allegedly scrapped the seven-figure deal just hours after it was announced. The Duchess of Sussex, who returns to the UK with Prince Harry and their children next month, was said to have signed a deal for the role, but reports of the offer being withdrawn due to 'untenable' public criticism are now being contradicted by new claims that she will indeed appear in the action comedy.
Seven-Figure Offer and Swift Backlash
Reports emerged on Friday that Meghan had signed a deal to appear in the third season of The Gentlemen, marking a highly-anticipated acting comeback for the former Suits star. The offer was reportedly worth seven figures, but was seemingly scrapped just hours later due to 'intense' backlash, making it 'untenable' to move forward. However, reports are now suggesting that Meghan will indeed appear in the show, which stars Theo James and Kaya Scodelario.
A source told The Sun: 'Her return to acting is expected to draw a large audience of both her supporters and critics, and is likely to make a lot of money. It will be seen as a major coup for whoever signs her.' The publication added that Netflix bosses are still keen to sign Meghan up for the show, but no formal agreement on her role has been reached.
Royal Author Claims Withdrawal
The 45-year-old was said to be discussing a role, with the part currently written for the as-yet-unannounced third season. But the announcement received 'public backlash', as alleged by Tina Brown, a royal author and former editor of both Tatler and Vanity Fair, who is well-connected in US showbiz circles. She wrote on X: 'I learned this morning the casting of Meghan in The Gentlemen has been withdrawn. The backlash in the UK was so intense, it became untenable. This does not bode well for Meghan's acting comeback in the UK.'
Plot of The Gentlemen
In The Gentlemen, Theo James plays Eddie Horniman, the second son of the Duke of Halstead. After never intending to inherit his father's Dukedom, he attended Sandhurst and made a career in the British Army. After his father dies, he returns home for his funeral and learns he has inherited the title of Duke and the 500-year-old estate over his brother Freddy. However, he quickly discovers an underground cannabis farm run by the Glass family empire. Criminal activities ensue as Eddie turns rival gangsters against each other while guided by Susie Glass, played by Kaya Scodelario.
While Netflix is yet to comment on the reports, Meghan is understood to have met director Guy Ritchie through mutual acquaintances, although further details remain under wraps. Speaking in 2022, the Duchess insisted she had no plans to appear on the small screen again, telling Variety of her acting career: 'I'm done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.'
Return to the UK
Prior to her relationship with Harry, Meghan was best known for playing Rachel Zane in the US legal drama Suits, featuring for seven seasons before her final episode aired in 2018. It was revealed last week that the couple will leave behind their life in Montecito, California, to head back to the UK, six years after their decision to step away from royal life. The couple will live in a non-royal residence outside of London when they move back and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools.
Metro has contacted representatives for the Duchess of Sussex for comment. The final outcome of Meghan's potential role in The Gentlemen remains unconfirmed, with Netflix yet to make an official statement.
