Meghan Markle Reportedly in Early Talks for Netflix’s ‘The Gentlemen’ as Royal Couple Prepares UK Return

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex and former actress, is reportedly in early discussions to make a return to acting with a potential role in the third season of the Netflix action-comedy series "The Gentlemen." This news emerges as she and her husband, Prince Harry, are said to be preparing for a significant move back to the United Kingdom after residing in California since 2020. The proposed acting role marks a surprising potential pivot for Markle, who previously indicated she had left her acting career behind.

Multiple entertainment and news outlets widely reported on Friday, August 23, 2026, that Markle is engaged in discussions regarding joining the cast of "The Gentlemen." The series, which has garnered attention since its debut, was created by acclaimed British filmmaker Guy Ritchie and stars actor Theo James. Should these discussions materialize, it would represent Markle’s first acting role since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, which led to her stepping away from her highly successful career.

According to Deadline, which was among the first to break the story regarding Markle’s potential involvement, the talks are currently in "very early stages" and remain "hypothetical." Sources close to the production, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the show has not yet received an official renewal for a third season, making any casting decisions contingent on that green light from Netflix. The initial reports of Markle’s possible return to acting were first published by the Australian news outlet news.com.au earlier on the same Friday.

Prior to becoming a member of the British royal family, Meghan Markle was best known for her role as Rachel Zane in the popular USA Network legal drama series "Suits." She starred in seven seasons of the show, earning a significant fan base and critical recognition. Her acting career also included appearances in several films, such as "Horrible Bosses" (2011), "Random Encounters" (2013), and "Anti-Social" (2015), which was her last film role before her engagement to Prince Harry. Upon her marriage and subsequent integration into the Royal Family, Markle ceased her acting endeavors, dedicating her time to royal duties and various philanthropic causes.

In the years following their departure from their roles as working royals, Meghan and Prince Harry embarked on a series of media ventures. In 2020, they established their production company, Archewell Productions, and signed a lucrative multi-year deal with Netflix, reportedly worth $100 million over five years. Through this partnership, the couple has produced a range of content, including documentaries and reality series, aiming to tell stories that resonate with their values and interests. Their notable productions include the highly viewed docuseries "Harry & Meghan," released in 2022, which broke documentary viewership records for Netflix. They also developed several other series under their Archewell banner. Last summer, in August 2025, the couple renewed their deal with Netflix, though reports suggested the terms of the new agreement were less substantial than their initial mega-deal.

The potential return to acting comes as a particular surprise given Markle’s previous public statements on the subject. In a candid interview with Variety in 2022, Markle explicitly stated that she was "done" with acting. "I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not," she told the publication at the time, indicating a firm closure to that chapter of her life. This past declaration makes the current reports of her involvement in "The Gentlemen" all the more intriguing, suggesting a possible shift in her career priorities and personal ambitions as she navigates her post-royal life.

The news of Markle’s potential acting comeback is intertwined with the broader development that she and Prince Harry are reportedly moving back to the United Kingdom. After six years in the United States, where they relocated in 2020 following their decision to step back from senior royal duties, the couple is expected to return to the UK in the coming weeks. The precise reasons behind this significant geographical shift are not entirely clear to the public. However, reports from outlets like the BBC indicate that they are not anticipated to resume their roles as working royals. Instead, it is believed they will establish a residence outside of London, separate from traditional royal estates. This move follows a private family visit with King Charles III and Queen Camilla just a month prior, signaling a potential warming in relations with the Royal Family. Prince Harry also made a rare visit to London last year, in 2025, to see his father, and has publicly expressed his desire for a "reconciliation" with his family in previous interviews with the BBC. The decision to return to the UK, while not immediately clarifying their future roles, certainly sets a new stage for their endeavors, both personal and professional.

Beyond their initial Netflix agreement, Harry and Meghan have pursued various other media and business ventures, with mixed results. Markle hosted a podcast titled "Archetypes" in 2022, which explored stereotypes and labels that hold women back. The series, featuring high-profile guests, ran for 12 episodes before concluding. Additionally, Markle ventured into the lifestyle market by launching her brand, As Ever, in 2025. This brand aimed to encompass aspects of her personal style and interests, though specific details of its product lines and market performance have remained somewhat private. Another media endeavor, a lifestyle reality series titled "With Love, Meghan," reportedly aired for two seasons but received a generally critical reception, indicating challenges in translating their brand into successful reality television formats. These ventures underscore the couple’s determination to forge an independent path and build a portfolio of work outside the confines of traditional royal duties, leveraging their global platform and influence.

The backdrop to Meghan Markle’s potential acting return is her well-documented career before her royal life. As Rachel Zane on "Suits," she became a recognizable face on television, starring alongside Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams. Her character, a talented paralegal aspiring to become a lawyer, allowed Markle to showcase her dramatic abilities and build a strong following over seven seasons. Her filmography, though less extensive than her television work, included roles in various genres, demonstrating her versatility as an actress. Her decision to leave acting to embrace her role as the Duchess of Sussex was widely seen as a significant sacrifice, emblematic of the commitments required of a senior royal. Should she indeed return to acting, it would not only signify a full circle moment for her career but also a bold redefinition of her public persona and future trajectory, blending her past professional life with her present independent ambitions.

As Forbes has reached out to Markle’s representatives for comment, the entertainment world and royal watchers alike await further confirmation on these developing reports. The prospect of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, gracing the screen once more, particularly in a high-profile Netflix production like "The Gentlemen," would undoubtedly capture global attention and open a new chapter in her extraordinary life story.