Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen has carved a niche in Netflix’s lineup by blending British aristocracy with organized crime, centering on dukes, duchesses, and the shadowy underworld they inhabit. The series gained renewed attention when reports surfaced that Meghan Markle, the former Duchess of Sussex, was set to return to England with Prince Harry.

Speculation quickly followed that she might appear in season 3 of the hit drama. Fans and media outlets buzzed with theories about her potential role.

Yet the show’s lead actor, Theo James, has just addressed and dismissed these casting rumors in a recent interview.

Speaking with Town & Country, Theo James was asked about “a certain ex-royal” potentially joining The Gentlemen. The actor initially responded with a joke.

“Yes, Fergie is joining. She’ll be playing my love interest.” But he quickly clarified his stance on the Meghan Markle reports, stating, “No, I think [reports of Markle joining the show] was mainly a lot of hot air”. 

James then shifted focus to the show’s immediate priorities. 

“At the moment, we’re just trying to get as many eyes on season two, and then season three will happen soon,” James remark to Town & Country, emphasizing the cast and crew’s concentration on promoting the upcoming second season, which premieres on September 3. 

His s comments still leave some room for uncertainty. James noted that the finer details surrounding season 3 remain very much up in the air. That wording echoes Netflix UK scripted chief Manda Levin, who previously said “all bets are off” when questioned about Markle at the Edinburgh TV Festival.

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With season 3 already secured, however, the real story is what awaits Eddie and Susie when the crime saga returns.

The Gentlemen season 2 premieres on Netflix on September 3, 2026, with all eight episodes releasing simultaneously. The story takes place one year after Eddie Horniman and Susie Glass became involved with Bobby Glass’ criminal empire. Their ambitions now stretch toward Italy, where the pair set their sights on the region’s lakeside villas.

Bobby’s increasingly erratic decisions threaten to disrupt their plans, forcing Eddie and Susie to confront difficult choices within the criminal operation. Theo James returns as Eddie, alongside Kaya Scodelario as Susie, Ray Winstone as Bobby, Daniel Ings as Freddy, Joely Richardson as Lady Sabrina, Vinnie Jones as Geoff Seacombe, and Giancarlo Esposito as Uncle Stan.

New faces include Hugh Bonneville, Benjamin Clementine, Benedetta Porcaroli, Michele Morrone, Sergio Castellitto, Amra Mallassi, Tyler Conti, Chris Eubank Jr., and Maya Jama. Netflix renewed The Gentlemen for season 3 in August 2026, with Guy Ritchie returning to direct. Porcaroli’s Bella is also set to develop a romance with Eddie during the new season.

'The Gentlemen' Season 2: Cast, Plot, Release Date, and Everything You Need to Know

What do you think about the Meghan Markle casting rumors? Let us know in the comments.