Netflix's scripted chief in the UK, Manda Levin, has given a cryptic four-word response when asked whether Meghan Markle will appear in season three of The Gentlemen. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Levin replied: "All bets are off," refusing to expand on the speculation. The comment comes as the Duchess of Sussex is believed to have returned to the UK with Prince Harry and their two children, reportedly flying in privately from California earlier this week.
Casting speculation grows
There has been widespread speculation about whether Meghan has been cast in the third season of the Netflix comedy-drama, and the streamer's response has only fuelled the rumour mill further. The news follows a Deadline report that the former actress was in talks for a role in Guy Ritchie's drama, which was officially greenlit for a third outing ahead of its season two debut.
Deadline's report said: "While it's unclear whether the talks would lead to a deal, Markle getting a showy part on The Gentlemen — which films in the UK — would make sense. The stunt casting would bring a lot of attention to the show and potentially new viewers."
Family ties and fan backlash
The report added: "And it's in the family — Markle and Prince Harry have a first-look deal at Netflix, where they have projects in development across film and TV." The cast already includes Vinnie Jones, Hugh Bonneville, Chris Eubank Jr and Maya Jama.
In the upcoming second season, a year has passed since Eddie Halstead (Theo James) and Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario) joined forces to work together in Bobby's (Ray Winstone) criminal empire overseas. As they look to expand their enterprise, they become sceptical of Bobby's irrational decisions. Eddie and Susie must decide whether to take action or risk losing it all.
The series was renewed for a third outing at the same time as the season two trailer drop. Variety reported Guy Ritchie's words: "The ambition of The Gentlemen has accelerated, the world has expanded and the consequences carry weight. A third season felt inevitable, and I'm looking forward to pushing the boundaries of it further."
No news has been shared regarding casting for season three. Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts on Meghan's potential casting, with some threatening to boycott the series. One said: "I'm a big fan of Guy Ritchie, but I didn't really like The Gentlemen series on Netflix. (My absolute favourite is MobLand — that's a real masterpiece and I can't wait for season 2!) I wanted to give The Gentlemen season 2 a chance, but after this, I'm out. Nope, no way, thanks." Another shared: "We are big fans of the show, we will not watch if she is on." A third commented: "Folks aren't going to bother watching Season 2 if there is a chance Markle will be in Season 3."
The Gentlemen season 2 will air on Netflix on September 3.
