Key facts
- Meghan Markle's reported acting role in 'The Gentlemen' has been withdrawn.
- The withdrawal is attributed to intense backlash in the UK.
- Royal author Tina Brown reported the casting offer was pulled.
- The potential role was seen by some as a reason for the Sussexes' return to Britain.
- Netflix and representatives for Meghan Markle have declined to comment on the reports.
Meghan Markle's potential return to acting in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series 'The Gentlemen' has reportedly been cancelled due to significant backlash in the United Kingdom. Royal author Tina Brown stated that an offer for the Duchess of Sussex to appear in the show was withdrawn because the public reaction became too intense and "untenable."
Brown, writing on her Substack newsletter 'Fresh Hell,' suggested that this development does not bode well for Markle's acting comeback. While sources close to the Duchess had previously indicated that a new acting role was a motivating factor for her and Prince Harry's potential move back to Britain, commentators have raised concerns about the implications for both the Sussexes and the Royal Family.
Baroness Wheatcroft noted that while Meghan might be offered roles, she must be cautious in interviews to avoid embarrassing the royals. A source from Disney studios expressed that casting Meghan could alienate a significant portion of the audience. Before marrying Prince Harry, Markle starred in the legal drama 'Suits' for seven seasons, reportedly earning around $40,000 per episode. She also has a small cameo in the upcoming film 'Close Personal Friends.'
Netflix has declined to comment on the reports, and a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex has refused to confirm or deny the withdrawal of the offer. The possibility of Meghan appearing in 'The Gentlemen' emerged last week, sparking immediate criticism online, with some viewers threatening to boycott the series if she were cast.