Kevin Costner's 2019 warning to Meghan Markle about returning to acting has resurfaced as more relevant than ever, following reports that the Duchess of Sussex was dropped from a potential role in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen.
The 71-year-old Yellowstone actor shared his thoughts on the duchess's potential career move during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine in 2019, and his words have gained renewed significance amid the recent drama.
Costner's 2019 Warning
Costner said that returning to acting "would be hard" for Meghan, explaining: "Why, because if you're Harry… he seems like a great guy. It's like, that's why I'm not married to an actress. I don't want to see my wife kissing somebody. I'm on Harry's side."
He added: "I don't want to be a person that's ever limiting somebody, but there's so much thought that goes into taking on, number one being a wife, and then being in this circle that I don't even understand - royalty. It's a unique spot. I think we watch it from across an ocean and sometimes we don't understand exactly what's going on."
Costner, who has been in the industry since his 1981 film debut in Sizzle Beach, USA, concluded: "She's had enough attention for a lifetime now in a year."
Reports of Being Dropped from The Gentlemen
Meghan was reportedly in talks to star in season three of The Gentlemen, but according to sources, was "dropped" from the project after backlash from UK audiences.
Despite this, the former Suits star is still reported to be reading scripts for both TV and film work. A source told The Telegraph in recent weeks: "They're being very cautious about which scripts they agree to read at the moment."
The source added: "Everyone knows that whatever Meghan's first film or show turns out to be, it's going to attract huge interest. The prospect of seeing her return to acting will drive big audiences, and ultimately, someone – whether it's Netflix, Amazon or another studio – is going to make a lot of money from it."
Industry Voices and Scrutiny
Comments from major stars like Martha Stewart, and even her own former Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel, have continued to make it clear that returning to acting will not be as simple as slipping into a costume and learning the lines.
All eyes will be on Meghan if she ever decides to go back to her former career. Harry – and their marriage – will face further scrutiny if she begins taking on romantic lead roles, or even something like her role as Rachel Zane on Suits, which saw her coupled up with Patrick J. Adams' character Mike Ross.
With people of decades more experience telling her it's a bad idea, the advice from stars who have been telling her "no" all along appears increasingly significant.
