Meghan Markle Absent as Filming Begins for 'The Gentlemen' Series 3 Amid Role Speculation

Filming has commenced for the third series of Guy Ritchie's Netflix crime drama "The Gentlemen," with cast members Vinnie Jones, Theo James, and Kaya Scodelario spotted on set. The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, was notably absent, despite earlier reports suggesting she was in preliminary talks for a role in the show.

In August, speculation arose regarding Meghan Markle's potential involvement in the series. The Duchess is reportedly keen to return to acting while managing her business ventures. However, reports emerged of a disagreement, with the Duchess allegedly feeling "used" by the publicity surrounding her potential casting.

The current filming session saw Jones, James, and Scodelario dressed in costume, marching through London streets as cameras rolled. James portrays Eddie Horniman, a former British military officer who inherits a country estate built atop a cannabis empire. Scodelario plays Susie Glass, the daughter of a crime boss managing the estate, and Jones embodies Geoff Seacombe, the loyal estate groundskeeper.

Sources close to the production team have dismissed claims that Netflix "used" Meghan for promotional purposes. Conversely, sources close to the Duchess accused the show's creators of leaking her potential involvement to generate publicity, which reportedly left her with a "sour taste." A show insider stated that the series does not require "stunt casting."

Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, reported in August that Meghan's casting in "The Gentlemen" season three had been withdrawn due to intense backlash in the UK. Deadline also reported on the preliminary talks.

Cast members have previously downplayed rumors of Meghan's involvement. Vinnie Jones commented that the show already features many attractive women and suggested there might not be room for more. He also humorously remarked that Prince Harry would be playing one of his love interests, effectively dismissing the Meghan Markle casting rumors. Ray Winstone, who plays a drug baron, expressed surprise at the rumors but noted she would be a "better-looking" addition. Hugh Bonneville, playing Lord Hawthorne, called the casting idea a "genius bit of marketing."

Director Guy Ritchie reportedly responded with skepticism, saying "really?" and "not a chance" when asked about the prospect of Meghan's appearance.

This situation unfolds as Netflix reportedly shifts its content strategy, moving away from "royal-linked vanity projects" under new chief content officer Peter Rice. This change follows the departure of Bela Bajaria, who was seen as a supporter of projects involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, including their 2022 series and the show "With Love, Meghan," which was not renewed.

Meghan Markle's acting career prior to her marriage to Prince Harry included a seven-season role in the legal drama "Suits." After joining the Royal Family, she paused her acting career. While she stated in 2022 that she had no intention of returning to acting, she has recently taken on a small part in the upcoming film "Close Personal Friends" and appeared as a guest judge on "MasterChef Australia."

Sources indicate Meghan is cautious about reading scripts due to the potential for leaks, acknowledging that any acting venture she undertakes would attract significant attention and potentially generate substantial revenue for a studio.