Meghan Markle's Netflix Acting Comeback Hits Snag Amid Executive Departure
Sources close to the Duchess of Sussex claim she was "used to help promote" a Netflix series, as her "safety net" with the streamer reportedly vanishes.
Meghan Markle is reportedly no longer in discussions for a role in Netflix's "The Gentlemen," with sources close to the Duchess of Sussex alleging her involvement was used to promote the series. Royal experts suggest this development signifies a significant blow to Markle's acting aspirations and marks the end of a "safety net" provided by her relationship with the streaming service.
Bela Bajaria, described as Markle's "champion inside Netflix," has reportedly left the company, creating uncertainty for the Duchess's acting comeback. "The previous safety net is gone," British broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "Unfortunately for Meghan, she may want to jump straight into a top acting role, but there is far more stacked against it happening."
Bajaria's departure follows a period of significant layoffs at Netflix, with reports indicating approximately 1,000 employees were affected. Kinsey Schofield, host of "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," noted that public criticism of Netflix from Markle's camp suggests a souring of their relationship. "This was one of their most important commercial partners. You don't typically throw a company under the bus when you're counting on them to finance your next big project. To me, this is the clearest indication yet that their relationship with Netflix has effectively come to an end."
Sources close to Markle told The Telegraph that they believe Netflix leaked news of her potential involvement in "The Gentlemen" to generate publicity for the show's second season, particularly as a third season was already commissioned. "It's the oldest marketing trick in the book: get a big name to read a script, then leak that you're 'in conversation' with them when, in reality, nothing is particularly far along," one source stated. "The whole thing left a bit of a sour taste in the Sussex camp's mouth."
A Netflix consultant, however, pushed back against these claims, telling The Times that "The Gentlemen" is not a show in need of "stunt casting." Another source familiar with Netflix suggested that the departure of Bajaria, who was reportedly loyal to the couple and eager to prove their value to the streamer, leaves Markle and Prince Harry uncertain about future support for their projects.
Markle's past ventures with Netflix include the lifestyle series "With Love, Meghan," which ran for two seasons. Her lifestyle brand, As Ever, also concluded its partnership with Netflix in March 2026. Reports in January 2026 indicated that "With Love, Meghan" would not be renewed for a third season.
Prior to her marriage to Prince Harry, Markle starred as Rachel Zane in the legal drama "Suits" for seven seasons. She had previously stated in 2022 that she was "done" with acting, but has since been reported to be exploring opportunities. She is slated to appear in a cameo role in the upcoming film "Close Personal Friends."
"Meghan's royal connections might get her into the room, but they don't guarantee her a successful acting career," said royal expert Ian Pelham Turner. "At some point, the work has to speak for itself."