Netflix has released the trailer for the second season of Guy Ritchie's crime drama "The Gentlemen," coinciding with reports that an offer for Meghan Markle to join the upcoming third season had been withdrawn. The new season is set to premiere on September 3.
The trailer depicts Theo James as Eddie seeking to reclaim control of his estate, confronting the criminal empire led by Bobby Glass, played by Ray Winstone. Eddie and Susie (Kaya Scodelario) are shown navigating their ambitions for the empire, with conflicts arising from Bobby Glass's recent decisions. Giancarlo Esposito's character encourages Eddie to forge his own path independent of Glass.
The series, which follows an aristocrat who discovers his inherited estate harbors a marijuana-growing operation, introduces new characters in its second season, including Hugh Bonneville as Lord Hawthorne and Maya Jama as a gangster's associate. IMAGE7
Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting Meghan Markle had been considered for a role in the third season. However, royal author Tina Brown stated that the offer was rescinded due to an "intense" backlash in Britain. "The backlash was so intense it became untenable to go forward," Brown commented.
This alleged withdrawal comes after initial reports of Markle's potential casting in the third season, which generated significant online criticism. Some viewers expressed intentions to boycott the show if she were cast. IMAGE5
Meghan Markle previously stated in 2022 that she had no plans to return to acting, though sources close to her reportedly indicated she was in "advanced discussions" for a role. IMAGE3 Prior to her marriage to Prince Harry, Markle had a prominent acting career, most notably as Rachel Zane in the legal drama "Suits." IMAGE6 She also has a minor cameo in the upcoming film "Close Personal Friends."
Netflix has declined to comment on the casting reports, and a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex has not confirmed or denied the withdrawal of the offer. IMAGE5
"The Gentlemen" series was created by and co-written by Guy Ritchie. The second season is executive produced by Ritchie, Matthew Read, Will Gould, Frith Tiplady, Simon Crawford Collins, and Ivan Atkinson. IMAGE11