A planned return to acting for Meghan Markle has reportedly collapsed before it could materialize, with Netflix pulling her casting from the upcoming third season of Guy Ritchie's series 'The Gentlemen' after facing substantial opposition from viewers in the United Kingdom.
The development was revealed Saturday by Tina Brown, who previously served as editor-in-chief at both Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. Brown indicated the casting discussions had progressed further than initial reports suggested before being abandoned.
"I learned this morning that the casting of Meghan Markle in season 3 of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series 'The Gentlemen' has been withdrawn," Brown wrote on her Substack, according to TMZ.com. "The backlash in the UK was so intense, it became untenable to go forward. This does not bode well for Meghan's acting comeback in the UK."
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Markle was under consideration for a role in the popular series, though those initial accounts characterized the discussions as preliminary. Brown's statement suggests the negotiations had advanced to a more concrete stage before the streaming platform reversed course.
The timing of the withdrawal means Markle would not have appeared in the series' second season regardless, as that installment is scheduled to premiere next month. Her involvement was intended for a potential third season, contingent on Netflix renewing the show.
The casting news arrives amid reports that Markle and Prince Harry are temporarily relocating to the United Kingdom with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. King Charles was informed of the planned move earlier this week and is reportedly looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren.
The motivation behind the family's decision to return to Britain remains unclear. The collapse of the Netflix opportunity raises questions about whether the relocation will proceed as planned, particularly if the acting role factored into the decision to move.
The reported backlash highlights ongoing tensions between Markle and segments of the British public, complicating any professional ventures she might pursue in the United Kingdom entertainment industry.