Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is reportedly in discussions to return to acting, with sources indicating she is in talks for a role in Guy Ritchie's upcoming season of "The Gentlemen." This potential career move follows a period where her post-royal ventures, including streaming and podcasting projects, have not achieved the desired momentum.
Royal correspondent Bronte Coy told BBC Radio Four that the acting opportunity is significant and that Markle is "very excited about it." Experts believe that a compelling acting role could allow Markle to move beyond the "princess arc" and reconnect with the career that initially brought her fame.
"She needs to find an extraordinary script the way Demi Moore did with ‘Substance’ and do something that shocks people and gets away from the princess arc," said Dan Wakeford, founder of Celebrity Intelligence. "She needs to go back to what she loves and what made her famous in the first place."
Markle's previous ventures outside of royal duties have faced criticism. Wakeford noted that her Netflix lifestyle series, "With Love, Meghan," became a "punchline" instead of a launchpad, which he argued damaged the credibility of her brand. The multi-million dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify, intended to establish their independence, were seen by some experts as the primary leverage, rather than the Duke and Duchess of Sussex themselves.
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, stated that acting is what Markle knows best and enjoys, expressing hope for a good production. Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner suggested that a return to acting, combined with their philanthropic efforts, could allow the couple to forge a new life and potentially heal rifts within the royal family.
However, this career revival may also introduce new complications. Turner warned that increased attention on Markle's acting career could put her brother-in-law, Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton, "into a media shade," potentially exacerbating the estrangement between the brothers. Royal experts have noted that Prince Harry and Prince William have remained distant since the Sussexes stepped down as senior working royals in 2020.
The potential acting comeback coincides with reports that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing to move back to the United Kingdom. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to begin their education in Britain in September. This move back to the UK, coupled with Markle's potential return to acting, could further strain relationships within the royal family. Chard commented that it is time for the couple to "put a line in the sand. Keep busy, work hard, earn money and stop undermining the monarchy."