Meghan Markle Loses Potential Netflix Acting Gig That Fueled UK Return, Reports

Published 08/25/2026, 1:56 AM EDT

25 09 2019. Cape Town, South Africa. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with baby Archie as they meet Archbishop Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa on the third day of the Royal Tour . xi-Imagesx IIM-20183-0054

Meghan Markle’s long-awaited Hollywood comeback may have hit an unexpected roadblock, just as speculation around her next acting move was beginning to heat up. The Duchess of Sussex was reportedly being considered for a role in one of Guy Ritchie’s movies, a potential return to scripted television that quickly became tangled with reports surrounding the Sussexes’ possible move back to the UK. But just as the casting buzz reached a fever pitch, reports began suggesting that the opportunity may have been pulled.

Yet Hollywood’s latest twist is far from settled, with conflicting reports leaving Meghan’s possible comeback hanging in the balance.

Did Meghan Markle’s Netflix role fall through?

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As reported by Entertainment Tonight, Meghan Markle’s potential Netflix acting comeback has reportedly hit a major roadblock amid backlash in the UK, with the possible role in The Gentlemen being linked to the Sussexes’ reported plans to spend more time in Britain. The situation has also unfolded against a backdrop of renewed royal tensions, with Prince Harry seeking reconciliation with his family while questions continue to swirl around the couple’s security arrangements and how long they actually plan to remain in the UK. Meanwhile, Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton have continued their public engagements, with the Princess recently appearing alongside Prince George near Balmoral.

via Imago

The drama has also sparked speculation about Prince Harry’s motivations for seeking reconciliation with his father, including claims that inheritance could be a factor, although that remains speculation rather than an established reason. The discussion has further highlighted the Sussexes’ security concerns, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle currently paying for their own security and previous comments from Markle about fears of intense paparazzi attention during everyday life in Britain. 

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But while her potential comeback appears caught in a storm, the door to The Gentlemen may not be closed just yet.

Meghan Markle’s The Gentlemen door may still be open

Speaking about the situation with Entertainment Tonight, royal expert Katie Nicholl revealed that Guy Ritchie and Netflix are reportedly very interested in bringing Meghan Markle into The Gentlemen, with the potential casting expected to attract a huge audience curious to see the Duchess of Sussex return to acting. Nicholl also pointed to the timing, noting that Netflix had just released the Season 2 trailer and confirmed a third season, yet Meghan’s name was noticeably absent from the announcement. With conflicting reports continuing to emerge, her potential involvement remains uncertain rather than officially ruled out.

"What I'm told is that Guy Richie is very up for this. Netflix is very up for it. They know that is going to put bums on seats. You are going to get a huge audience watching to see Megan's first role as the Duchess of Sussex," Nicholl on Entertainment Tonight.

Meghan Markle & Patrick J. Adams Characters: Rachel Zane, Mike Ross Television: Suits : Season 1 (TV-Serie) USA 2011-, /

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Meanwhile, The Gentlemen itself is moving forward at full speed, with Season 2 premiering on Netflix on September 3, 2026, and an eight-episode third season already officially ordered. Theo James returns as Eddie Horniman alongside Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass, with Vinnie Jones and Giancarlo Esposito also starring, while Guy Ritchie returns to direct and expand the story beyond the English countryside into international locations, including Italy. With the series already secured for another season, the bigger question now is whether Markle will ultimately become part of its next chapter.

And as the story is clearly not over yet, the Duchess’ next Hollywood move remains one to watch.

Meghan Markle in Talks for Guy Ritchie ‘The Gentlemen’ in a New Netflix Comeback

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Do you think Meghan Markle should return to acting with The Gentlemen? Let us know in the comments.

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Lisa Roy

459 articles

Lisa Roy is an Entertainment Writer at NetflixJunkie, bringing Hollywood’s biggest moments to life through crisp news and fan-focused feature stories. With a Master’s in English Literature and over four years of experience across national and international domains , she is known for an eye for stories that fans instantly connect with. While she enjoys covering real-world gossip, she is deeply drawn to fictional universes of wizardry and witches.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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