Meghan Markle could be making a major return to scripted acting, with reports claiming the Duchess of Sussex is in early discussions to join Netflix’s The Gentlemen.
The 45-year-old former Suits star is reportedly being considered for a role in the Guy Ritchie-created series as production on its third season prepares to get underway this fall.
Meghan’s Reported Role Is Still Up in the Air
According to Deadline, conversations between Meghan and the series are still in the “very early stages,” and no specific character has been finalized.
However, sources have claimed that producers could be considering her for a role as an “ultimate temptress” who becomes entangled with one of the show’s aristocratic characters.
© Anadolu“The gossip in TV circles is that Meghan could play the ultimate temptress, who puts the cat among the pigeons by seducing an aristocrat,” a source told The Sun.
The insider described the potential role as a natural fit for Meghan, pointing to the show's lavish production and distinctly British setting.
“It would see her star opposite Theo James, who plays Eddie and he is one of the frontrunners to be the new James Bond,” the source added.
“Everything about the project screams quality, but it is also one with a bit of an edge too.”
The Gentlemen Has Been a Netflix Hit
The Netflix series, which was inspired by Ritchie's 2019 film of the same name, became one of the streaming platform's biggest successes in 2024.
Theo James stars as Eddie, an army officer who unexpectedly becomes involved in the world of organized crime and takes over a drug empire. The cast also includes Vinnie Jones and Kaya Scodelario.
© Getty ImagesThe series reportedly attracted 44 million views within its first four weeks.
Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on Netflix September 3.
The original movie starred Matthew McConaughey, Michelle Dockery, and Hugh Grant and earned more than $115 million at the global box office against a reported $22 million budget.
Meghan Could Also Have Her Eye on the West End
The reported The Gentlemen talks come amid claims that Meghan could pursue another major acting opportunity when she returns to the UK with Prince Harry.
According to the Daily Mail, a former friend claimed the Duchess has wanted to appear in a West End production for years and is expected to explore opportunities once she's back in London.
Another source in the city's theater community claimed there has been growing speculation that Meghan is looking for a substantial stage role.
Meghan has previously demonstrated an interest in theater. During her time living in the UK, she and Harry attended several West End productions, including Hamilton, Tina: The Musical and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
She also previously served as a patron of the National Theatre.
Meghan Stepped Away From Acting After Joining the Royal Family
Meghan's acting career effectively came to an end after her final episode of Suits aired in 2018.
She subsequently stepped away from Hollywood after marrying Harry and becoming a member of the British royal family.
She has not returned to a traditional acting role since, although she is set to make a cameo as herself in the upcoming film Close Personal Friends, which stars Lily Collins and Brie Larson.
Another UK Project Has Reportedly Been Offered
Separate reports have also claimed that Meghan has been offered a role in an undisclosed UK-based production.
Australian journalist Bronte Coy of News.com.au said the “top secret” project is reportedly significant and could have played a role in Harry and Meghan's decision to return to Britain.
© Getty Images“This is such a key part of the puzzle,” Coy said during an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Today.
“I think when we all heard that news that Harry and Meghan were moving here, and within a matter of days, and the kids were enrolled in school, everyone was asking, what is Meghan going to be doing?”
Coy described the project as “significant” and said Meghan is “very excited,” with further details expected to emerge soon.
For now, however, Meghan's reported involvement in The Gentlemen remains unconfirmed, with discussions said to be at a very early stage.
