Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is in early discussions to join the cast of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen for its third season, according to multiple media reports published on August 21. The discussions are preliminary, with no role yet confirmed or filming schedule finalized.
The Sussexes are scheduled to return to the UK later this month, following their departure in 2020. A representative for Netflix and a spokesperson for Meghan and Prince Harry declined to comment on the reports. Deadline noted that while discussions are underway, the show has not yet been officially renewed for a third season, and the second season is set to premiere next month.
The The Gentlemen is a British action-comedy series starring Theo James, following a man who inherits a country estate tied to a cannabis empire and Britain’s criminal underworld. The series, based on Ritchie’s 2019 film of the same name, became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows of 2024, amassing 44 million views in its first four weeks. The film grossed over $115 million globally against a $22 million budget.
Meghan’s last major acting role was in the U.S. legal drama Suits, which concluded in 2018. She briefly returned to acting in 2024 with a cameo in the upcoming comedy Close Personal Friends, marking her first on-screen appearance since stepping back from her career to focus on royal duties. The BBC reports that a potential role in The Gentlemen would be her first significant acting project since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.
Context and Background
The Gentlemen was created by Guy Ritchie and has been filmed primarily in the Cotswolds, a region rumored to be the Sussexes’ intended home upon their return to the UK. The series’ second season is scheduled for release next month, with filming for the third season expected to begin in autumn if renewed.
Meghan’s potential involvement in the series follows her and Prince Harry’s announcement of an extended stay in the UK, marking their first prolonged return since relocating to California in 2020. The couple stepped back from official royal duties in early 2020, citing media scrutiny and a desire to establish financial independence.
Previous Career and Post-Royal Ventures
Meghan’s acting career includes her seven-season role as Rachel Zane in Suits, which earned her widespread recognition. Since leaving the show, she has pursued various ventures, including the Netflix deal Harry & Meghan, the Spotify podcast Archetypes, and her lifestyle brand Archewell’s As Ever. However, these projects have faced mixed reception, with some critics questioning their impact and credibility.
A return to acting could provide Meghan with an opportunity to redefine her public image outside of royal and media controversies. Industry analysts suggest that a high-profile role in a successful series could help her regain professional momentum. As one expert noted, a return to acting may offer a chance to "redefine herself" after years of experimenting with different career paths.
What’s Next
While discussions about Meghan’s potential role in The Gentlemen are in early stages, the series’ production team is reportedly finalizing casting and booking crew for an autumn filming start. Netflix has not confirmed whether a third season has been greenlit, and no details about Meghan’s character or episode count have been disclosed. The Sussexes’ return to the UK is expected to coincide with the series’ potential production timeline.