Meghan Markle’s possible role in The Gentlemen has fallen through, according to a source close to her cited by The Telegraph on October 17. People in the Duchess of Sussex’s circle are now questioning how the casting discussions became public.
Her friends allege that Netflix leaked the conversations to generate publicity for the crime drama’s second season. Meghan’s prospective appearance would have been in Season 3, creating an unusual dispute over whether interest in a future casting decision helped promote episodes already completed.
A source close to the production pushed back in The Times, saying, “This is not a show in need of stunt casting.” The response came from an unnamed insider rather than an official Netflix spokesperson.
Representatives for Meghan and Netflix did not immediately respond to PEOPLE‘s requests for comment on October 18.
Meghan’s Circle Calls the Publicity a Marketing Trick
The source speaking to The Telegraph described the situation as “the oldest marketing trick in the book.” In that person’s account, a recognizable performer is encouraged to read a script before preliminary conversations are publicized as a potential casting arrangement.
The Telegraph also reported that Meghan continues to consider film and television scripts, although people around her say she has become more cautious about discussing prospective work before making a commitment.
The Proposed Role Was Still Taking Shape in August
Variety described the discussions in August as being at a very early stage. No contract had been signed, and the character Meghan might play had not been identified. Other contemporary reporting indicated that a possible role was still being written.
Accounts soon diverged over whether the opportunity remained available. In an August 24 update, PEOPLE reported that she was still in talks despite reports to the contrary, with no finalized agreement. That chronology places the latest account of abandoned discussions after weeks of uncertainty.
Netflix formally announced the show’s third-season renewal on August 23, before the new episodes premiered. Guy Ritchie was confirmed to return as director, alongside his writing and executive-producing responsibilities.
Theo James Had Already Questioned the Casting Reports
Theo James offered his own skeptical response during a September 2 interview with Town & Country. Asked about a possible royal addition to the cast, he joked that Sarah Ferguson would play his love interest.
Turning to the Meghan reports, James said, “I think that was mainly a lot of hot air.” He explained that the team was focused on promoting the second season while developing the direction of the next installment.
James made another joke in a separate interview with Extra, this time suggesting Prince Harry would play a romantic interest. Netflix’s U.K. scripted programming chief, Manda Levin, had been less dismissive when asked about Meghan at the Edinburgh TV Festival in August, responding, “All bets are off.”
Season 2 Drew a Smaller Opening Audience in Britain
The second season premiered on September 3. James returned as Eddie Horniman, the aristocrat whose inherited estate concealed a cannabis operation, alongside Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass. The new episodes follow their ambitions to expand the business, with Ray Winstone’s Bobby Glass complicating their plans.
According to Barb figures reported by Decider, the premiere attracted approximately 3 million British viewers during its first seven days. The first season’s opening episode reached about 3.5 million over the corresponding period in March 2024. The Times subsequently cited YouGov research putting the show’s British audience at approximately 10.5 million during September.
Meghan’s Other Screen Work Includes a Film Cameo
Meghan and Prince Harry began their production relationship with Netflix in 2020, delivering projects including Harry & Meghan, Heart of Invictus and Polo. In August 2025, Netflix announced a new multiyear first-look agreement with their company, Archewell Productions, covering film and television projects.
Her lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, also returned for a second season in August 2025, followed by a holiday special that December. The program features cooking, entertaining and creative activities with invited guests.
Meghan’s best-known acting role remains Rachel Zane, whom she played for seven seasons of Suits. She has since filmed a small appearance as herself in the Amazon MGM Studios comedy Close Personal Friends. PEOPLE confirmed her presence on the Pasadena set in November 2025. The film stars Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid and Henry Golding.