High-level sources have dismissed as "complete fantasy" claims that Meghan Markle was dropped from Guy Ritchie's Netflix drama The Gentlemen, insisting a third series has not even been greenlit.
The Duchess of Sussex was linked to the show following claims by author Tina Brown that she had been axed from a planned role in a third series, with Brown alleging "the backlash was so intense it became untenable to go forward."
Insiders set the record straight
Speaking on the Daily Expresso news show, host JJ Anisiobi rejected the narrative: "This story about Meghan [having] her role withdrawn from season three is complete and utter b******t. It's total tosh. There is no season three role. That's not happened."
Anisiobi explained how initial talks unfolded about two years ago: "Some of Meghan’s friends — who were mutual friends with some of Guy Ritchie’s friends — were moving in similar circles."
"A conversation was had: 'Here you go, Ritchie, Meghan is actually looking to start acting again, and she loves your show. Do you think there could be something down the road for her?’ And Guy Ritchie says, 'Well, I can come up with some ideas, and we can talk.' He came up with three or four different rough ideas, and there's a back-and-forth between the groups."
Security battle scuppered plans
Prince Harry's ongoing security battle with the Home Office ultimately ended any potential appearance on British soil, with the prospect of filming in the open UK countryside for months without official police protection proving an insurmountable hurdle.
Anisiobi detailed why Meghan herself pulled the plug on a potential season two cameo: "Eventually, Meghan was like, 'You know, actually, the timing is completely wrong. I'd have to go to the UK to film this.' This would have been about a year ago, when filming took place. It wouldn't have been possible."
"So for that reason, Meghan was a bit like, 'The timing is not right. Harry is suing the courts and trying to get the security back. I can't go to the UK and film right now.' That's what happened. And that was for season two. The reports that Guy Ritchie has pulled the plug on her because of a custom role in season three are utter b******t."
Netflix deal revised
The revelation comes despite the couple's tie-up with the streaming giant, which recently transitioned into a revised "first look" arrangement.
Speaking at Fortune's Powerful Women Summit in Washington, Meghan addressed the updated deal: "My husband and I were in an overall deal with Netflix... and then the extension of it... was now being in a first look deal, which is also exciting because it gives us flexibility to go to our partners first, and then at the same time be able to shop content that might not be the right fit for Netflix but has a home somewhere else."
A TV source noted: "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." Meghan has previously declared of her acting career: "I’m done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not."
