Meghan Markle 'Used' by Netflix for 'The Gentlemen' Publicity, Friends Claim
Sources close to the Duchess of Sussex allege the streaming giant leaked news of her potential involvement to boost viewership for Guy Ritchie's series.
Close friends of Meghan Markle have claimed the Duchess was "used" by Netflix to generate publicity for Guy Ritchie's series, "The Gentlemen." Sources allege that the streaming service revealed preliminary talks about Markle's potential involvement in the crime drama to enhance its promotional efforts.
Reports of Markle considering a role in the third season of "The Gentlemen" emerged in August. This news followed an announcement that she and Prince Harry were planning to return to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. However, public criticism reportedly led to the abandonment of discussions regarding her acting comeback.
Friends now suggest that Markle was leveraged to bolster interest in the second season of "The Gentlemen," which premiered last month and stars Theo James and Kaya Scodelario. One source told The Telegraph that Netflix may have used the "big name" to generate buzz because the second season was perceived as not as strong as the first, especially with a third 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," the source stated. They added that the situation has left "a bit of a sour taste in the Sussex camp's mouth," asserting that Netflix ultimately achieved its objective of gaining publicity and increasing viewership for the new season.
Official ratings indicated a 15% drop in viewership for "The Gentlemen" season two compared to its debut season, which attracted 3.5 million viewers in March 2024. The first episode of season two garnered approximately three million British viewers within a week of its Netflix release.
Markle, who previously starred as Rachel Zane in the legal drama "Suits" for seven seasons before her marriage to Prince Harry, had paused her acting career. In 2022, she told Variety that her intention was "absolutely not" to return to acting. However, she has recently been involved in acting projects, including a cameo as herself in the upcoming film "Close Personal Friends" alongside Lily Collins and Brie Larson, and a guest judge appearance on "MasterChef Australia."
Another source indicated that Markle is cautious about script readings due to the high likelihood of her involvement being leaked, noting that any acting venture she undertakes would attract significant attention and potentially generate substantial revenue for studios.
Markle and Netflix had a prior relationship, entering into a $100 million five-year deal in 2020. However, this deal lapsed last year after her lifestyle show, "With Love, Meghan," received mixed reviews and failed to rank in the top ten in the UK or the US.
Netflix and the Duchess of Sussex have been contacted for comment.