Meghan Markle’s Rumoured Netflix Comeback Takes Another Twist as Friends Claim She Was ‘Used’ to Promote The Gentlemen

Meghan Markle’s long-rumoured return to acting has taken a fresh turn after sources close to the Duchess of Sussex claimed Netflix may have used speculation about her involvement in The Gentlemen to generate publicity. The allegations follow reports that director Guy Ritchie had little interest in casting her in the hit crime drama.

The controversy has raised new questions about whether Meghan was ever seriously considered for the series or whether her name became part of a publicity strategy.

Meghan’s Friends Question Netflix’s Motives

According to The Telegraph, people close to Meghan believe the streaming giant may have benefited from rumours linking her to the second season of The Gentlemen.

One source alleged that Meghan’s name had been used to attract attention to the programme, suggesting that discussions about a potential role were less advanced than public reports implied.

The source claimed the situation had left some within the Sussex circle unhappy.

However, there is no independent confirmation that Netflix deliberately leaked casting discussions or used Meghan as part of a promotional strategy.

Guy Ritchie’s Reported Response Raises Eyebrows

The latest claims emerged shortly after The Sun reported that Guy Ritchie had dismissed the possibility of Meghan joining the show.

According to an unnamed production source, the director initially reacted with surprise when her name was mentioned.

When asked whether she realistically had a chance of securing a role, he allegedly responded with three decisive words: “Not a chance.”

The reported exchange has not been publicly confirmed by Ritchie.

Earlier reports suggested that Meghan had been in advanced discussions to portray a seductive character in the Netflix drama, potentially earning at least £1 million.

Yet conflicting accounts subsequently emerged about whether negotiations had ended or remained ongoing.

Conflicting Reports Surround Her Acting Return

Royal commentator Tina Brown previously claimed Meghan’s proposed casting had been withdrawn following a negative reaction in Britain.

Another insider later suggested Netflix executives were still interested in securing her involvement, although no agreement had been signed.

Actor Vinnie Jones, who plays Geoff Seacombe in The Gentlemen, also expressed scepticism about the possibility of Meghan joining the cast.

Speaking to The Sun last month, he indicated that he believed the idea was no longer being considered.

Despite the extensive speculation, no official casting announcement confirming Meghan’s involvement has been made.

A Major Netflix Success — With or Without Meghan

The first season of The Gentlemen became a major streaming success, reportedly attracting more than 75 million views.

Its second season recorded approximately 22 million views during its first three weeks, according to figures cited by The Sun.

A third season is already in development, with reports indicating that Scottish actor Robert Carlyle has joined the production.

Meghan is not expected to appear alongside him.

Her last major scripted television role was Rachel Zane in Suits, which she left in 2017.

In a 2022 interview with Variety, she said she did not intend to return to acting, although she did not completely rule out changing her mind.

What Really Happened Behind the Scenes?

The dispute now centres on two very different interpretations of the same casting rumours.

Sources close to Meghan suggest her celebrity status may have been exploited to create publicity, while other entertainment insiders maintain that she was never a serious candidate for the role.

Neither version has been conclusively established.

For Meghan, the unanswered question is no longer simply whether she will return to acting. It is whether the much-publicised opportunity in The Gentlemen was ever as real as the original reports suggested.

As the Netflix series moves forward with its next chapter, the speculation surrounding the Duchess continues — despite no confirmed role, no signed contract and conflicting accounts of what happened behind closed doors.

Based on The Sun’s report published October 18, 2026, including allegations attributed to sources close to Meghan and unnamed entertainment insiders.