Reports indicating Meghan Markle was in discussions to appear in director Guy Ritchie's Netflix series "The Gentlemen" have been met with a significant backlash in the United Kingdom, leading to the alleged withdrawal of the offer, according to royal author Tina Brown.
Brown reported on her Substack that the backlash was so intense it became impossible to proceed with the potential casting. "This does not bode well for Meghan's acting comeback in the UK," Brown stated.
The series is a spin-off of Ritchie's 2019 film of the same name, which follows an aristocrat who discovers a weed empire operating on his inherited estate. The first season, which aired in 2024, was described as a loosely plotted crime caper set in the Cotswolds.
Reports surfaced Friday suggesting that Meghan might revive her acting career with a role in the series. This news emerged shortly after announcements that Prince Harry and Meghan plan to return to the UK in September to enroll their children in school. The couple's intentions to send Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, to a British school were framed by some observers as a desire for a traditional education for the children.
However, the potential acting role has drawn criticism, with some commentators expressing concern that Meghan's private life could overshadow her performance. There is also commentary suggesting that such a role is more suited for actors facing financial pressures or aspiring performers seeking recognition, rather than someone in Meghan's position as a member of the British royal family.
"The Gentlemen" series is known for its violent and gritty content. The original film depicted graphic scenes, and the series has been noted for its intense sequences. The reported anxiety experienced by actress Kaya Scodelario during filming for the first season has also been cited.
Meghan Markle previously had a cameo role in the upcoming film "Close Personal Friends." The potential "Gentlemen" role was seen by some as an opportunity for her to further explore acting, though concerns were raised that she might be "cruelly used" in a project that could trivialize her public role and association with the royal family. Critics argue that her position within the line of succession is incongruous with the type of roles often found in such productions.