Meghan Markle's reported casting in the third season of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series, The Gentlemen, has been withdrawn, according to Tina Brown, the former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair. The claim follows speculation that the Duchess of Sussex might return to acting after relocating to the UK with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Backlash Over Reported Casting
Variety had reported that Meghan was in talks to join the series shortly after the Sussexes' move to Britain was announced. However, Brown shared an update on X, stating: "I learned this morning that the casting of Meghan in The Gentlemen has been withdrawn. The backlash in the UK was so intense that it became untenable. This does not bode well for Meghan's acting comeback in the UK."
Sky News also spoke with unnamed senior TV executives about the potential return. One reportedly told the broadcaster: "You need actors who inhabit roles and are believable. How do you get over the fact she's a duchess?"
A Royal Role in Bridgerton
Given the challenges, a commentator suggests Meghan should embrace her royal connection on a major hit like Bridgerton. The idea is not unprecedented: in 2019, Sophie Winkleman, wife of Lord Frederick Windsor, appeared as Lady Susan in ITV's adaptation of Jane Austen's Sanditon, a role that honoured both her acting career and her royal association.
Meghan could appear as a duchess at a ball or garden party in an upcoming season of Bridgerton. The series is already a megahit with four series, making it less likely that her involvement would hinder its success or cause viewer boycotts. It has become a legacy show for Netflix that can handle publicity, good or bad.
A brief cameo with a strong costume and dialogue could cement her return to acting without stealing focus from key storylines. The commentator argues this would be a better fit than The Gentlemen, which has not yet been renewed for a third season, while Bridgerton could continue for a long time.
