Meghan Markle's Gentlemen Casting Withdrawn After Backlash 2026

Meghan Markle's casting in The Gentlemen has been withdrawn after intense UK backlash, according to reports. The Duchess of Sussex was reportedly in talks to join the third season of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series, but the controversy has forced the decision to pull out.

The Reported Casting and Withdrawal

Tina Brown, former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, revealed on Saturday that the casting had been withdrawn. She wrote: "I learned this morning that the casting of Meghan Markle in season 3 of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen has been withdrawn. The backlash in the UK was so intense, it became untenable to go forward."

Details from Tina Brown

Brown's statement came just a day after Variety reported that Meghan was in discussions to make her acting return in the series. The Gentlemen, a spin-off from the 2019 crime comedy film starring Matthew McConaughey and Charlie Hunnam, has yet to receive an official greenlight for a third season.

The Backlash and Its Impact

The intense reaction from the UK public and media reportedly made the project untenable. This development highlights the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Duchess of Sussex and her family's public life.

Meghan Markle's Acting Career and Netflix Deal

Meghan Markle first gained fame as Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, a role she played for seven seasons. Her other television appearances include CSI: NY and 90210, while film roles include a small part in Horrible Bosses and the 2015 crime thriller Anti-Social. She also led two Hallmark movies: When Sparks Fly and Dater's Handbook. Recently, she filmed a cameo in the Amazon comedy Close Personal Friends alongside Brie Larson and Jack Quaid.

Her Previous Roles

Meghan's acting career has been diverse, but her return to the screen has been highly anticipated. The Sussexes signed a fresh multi-year film and television deal with Netflix last year, following their original five-year deal in 2020, reportedly worth $100 million.

The Sussexes' Return to Britain

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to return to live in Britain this month, six years after leaving for the US. The couple and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are expected to relocate to a property outside London. King Charles was reportedly informed last Sunday of their return.

What This Means for The Gentlemen and Netflix

The withdrawal raises questions about the future of The Gentlemen series and Netflix's relationship with the Sussexes. While the series has been well-received, the controversy may impact its production. Netflix has not commented on the reports.

Key Takeaways

• Meghan Markle's reported casting in The Gentlemen has been withdrawn due to intense UK backlash.
• The decision was revealed by Tina Brown, citing untenable public reaction.
• Meghan's acting career includes notable roles in Suits and several films.
• The Sussexes are returning to Britain this month, with a new Netflix deal in place.
• The future of The Gentlemen season 3 remains uncertain.

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