Journalist Tina Brown, claimed ‘the backlash in the UK’ over the Duchess of Sussex starring in the show, was too ‘intense’
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It’s been revealed that the Duchess of Sussex’s deal to star in Guy Richie’s smash-hit Netflix series The Gentlemen is worth over £1million.
On Friday it was annoucned that Meghan was in talks for a major role in the gangster comedy-drama, although it has not yet been renewed for a third series.
The role would have coincided with the Sussexes’ planned move back to Britain, scheduled for the end of this month.
But on Saturday evening, claims emerged that the deal had collapsed entirely.
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Journalist Tina Brown, a former editor of Tatler and Vanity Fair who regarded as well connected in US showbiz circles, claimed on X: “I learned this morning the casting of Meghan in The Gentlemen has been withdrawn.”
“The backlash in the UK was so intense, it became untenable. This does not bode well for Meghan’s acting comeback in the UK.”
Netflix is expected to make its commissioning announcements next week. Neither the duchess nor Netflix had responded to Ms Brown’s claim, leaving the status of any agreement unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, sources told The Sun that former ‘Suits’ actress, Meghan will be making a seven-figure sum if the contract is finalised.
The source said: “Meghan will be getting at least £1million for a role on The Gentlemen, perhaps even more.
“Signing her would be a major coup for the show’s bosses and it would absolutely be worth parting with a sizeable fee.”
Newsflash: I have heard that Meghan Markle’s role in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen is OFF. Public backlash was too fierce. This does not bode well for Meghan’s acting comeback in the UK.
— Tina Brown (@TinaBrownLM) August 22, 2026
Meghan could potentially attend the London premiere of the second series of the show on September 2, now that she and Prince Harry plan be in the UK.
In the series, lead actor, Theo James “transitions from Duke to drug baron” after inheriting his family’s estate and discovering it is home to an underground cannabis empire.
The series first aired in 2024, and was Guy Ritchie’s first TV show, based on his 2019 film of the same name.
A part for Meghan was believed to be being written for her specifically to enter the series.
Leading talent manager Professor Jonathan Shalit, chairman of InterTalent Rights Group, told The Sun: “It’s a great show and people love it all over the world. If they sign her, it’s a great signing.”
