Meghan Markle is in talks to return to acting in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix drama The Gentlemen, it is understood.
The Duchess of Sussex could be poised to land a part in the crime caper about a British Duke, who unexpectedly inherits his father’s country estate and discovers it is home to a cannabis empire run by notorious criminals.
It is believed Meghan met film director Ritchie, who was formerly married to Madonna, through mutual acquaintances and could appear in the third series of the show, which is filmed in the Cotswolds and stars Theo James, Ray Winstone and Vinnie Jones. Talks are said to be at an early stage, with a role being written for the Duchess, meaning it is unclear how many episodes she would appear in.
Ray Winstone in the second series of The Gentlemen, which is released next month on Netflix (Image: Christopher Raphael/Netflix)
According to industry publication Deadline, any role would be in the third series of the show, which has not yet begun filming and has not yet been given the green light for another series. The second series of the comedy drops on Netflix next month. The news of her return to acting was first reported by Australian outlet News.com.au
It comes after the news Meghan is making the surprise move back to Britain at the end of the month along with Prince Harry and their children, who have been enrolled in schools here. Many had wondered what would become of Meghan’s future following her return to her husband’s homeland.
If she landed a role in the show, it would be her most high-profile acting job since appearing in the US legal drama Suits, where she played paralegal Rachel Zane. As well as Suits, the Duchess also made guest appearances on shows including CSI: Miami and 90210 but said she had retired from acting in 2018 when she married Harry.
Film director Guy Ritchie, creator of The Gentlemen(Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Since quitting her royal role and moving to California, he has been seen on screen in her Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan and recently appeared as a guest judge on the Australian version of MasterChef. But earlier this year, she filmed a cameo where she played herself for the upcoming comedy film Close Personal Friends, alongside Emily in Paris star Lily Collins.
Meghan is also believed to be continuing to run her As Ever brand, which sells jam and flower sprinkles, from her new base. The Mirror has contacted a Sussex spokesperson for comment.
It comes as a leading talent manager has said directors and producers will “absolutely want to meet” her if she wants to return to acting. Professor Jonathan Shalit, chairman of InterTalent Rights Group, believes Meghan can “do whatever she wants to do” following the move. He explained: “If she wants to return to acting, I have absolutely no doubt there would be interest in her.
Meghan played Rachel Zane on Suits (Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
“Suits has had an extraordinary life beyond its original run. It continues to be discovered and rediscovered through streaming and repeats, so there is already an audience who know Meghan as an actress rather than simply as the Duchess of Sussex.
“Had she not married Harry, I think it is perfectly reasonable to assume that Suits would have been a very strong platform from which to pursue other major television and film roles. If Meghan decided tomorrow that she seriously wanted to act again, directors and producers would absolutely want to meet her and audition her. Would she automatically be handed every role she wanted? Of course not. Nobody is. But would doors open? Absolutely.”
Meghan with Chrissy Teigen in her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan (Image: JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIX)
