Meghan Markle reportedly remains in talks to join season three of The Gentlemen, despite doubts over whether her much-discussed acting role will go ahead.
However, experts have weighed in on the reports about a possible acting return for the duchess.
The Duchess of Sussex has not reached a formal agreement with Netflix, according to The Sun. However, the publication claims bosses remain keen to secure her for Guy Ritchie’s gangster comedy-drama. A role would build on Meghan’s recent return to acting with a cameo in Close Personal Friends.
It comes as Harry and Meghan reportedly plan to move back to the UK for an “extended period”.
Reports about The Gentlemen have shifted quickly. The Sun initially claimed Meghan was discussing a major part in the show. Royal author Tina Brown then said the proposed casting had fallen through following a negative response in Britain.
Meghan Markle ‘still in talks’ for The Gentlemen amid acting return claims
However, The Sun now says discussions remain active and that Netflix still wants Meghan to appear. A TV source told the publication: “Her return to acting is expected to draw a large audience of both her supporters and critics, and is likely to make a lot of money.
“It will be seen as a major coup for whoever signs her.”
The report estimates that any agreement could exceed £1 million. However, Netflix has not announced Meghan’s involvement or formally confirmed a third season of The Gentlemen.
Meghan warned about acting return
Speaking to Entertainment Daily, Etiquette Expert at EtiquetteExpert.Org Jo Hayes issued a warning to Meghan about returning to the world of acting.
Jo said: “If I were to advise Meghan, I would advise against a return to acting. Or, if it does happen, be very, very careful and very, very selective with regard to the roles she plays.
“She may not be a ‘working royal’ now, but she is still a member of the royal family. As such, there is a certain standard and code of conduct that one is expected to maintain.”
Jo added: “Meghan and Harry are hoping to improve public perception in the UK. Taking on any role that even hints at indecency or scandal, or even being in a show that has a hint of such themes, will do nothing to improve that image. So, unless she takes on a squeaky-clean role in a squeaky-clean show, I would advise her against a return.”
Meghan ‘should be thankful’ to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Meanwhile, CEO at Strategic Vision PR Group David Johnson discussed Meghan’s lack of popularity in the UK. David suggested that she should be “thankful” to Harry’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, for being at the centre of so much scrutiny in recent months.
For months, Andrew has been under intense backlash over his past association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Revealing whether a return to acting could help improve Meghan’s public image, David told us: “It will help a bit, but she will never be able to fully change the public’s perception of her. There have been too many missteps. Meghan remains an extremely unpopular in the United Kingdom. She should be thankful for Andrew [Mountbatten-Windsor] because without him she would be the most unpopular royal.”
What is Netflix’s The Gentlemen about?
The Gentlemen stars Theo James as Eddie Horniman, who unexpectedly inherits his father’s title and vast country estate. Eddie soon discovers that a criminal organisation operates a cannabis business beneath the property.
Kaya Scodelario plays Susie Glass, who helps oversee the illegal empire. Eddie then finds himself navigating gangsters, family tensions and increasingly dangerous criminal schemes.
Read more: ‘Hurt and upset’ Thomas Markle’s desperate message to Meghan ahead of her UK return revealed
Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series mixes aristocracy with organised crime. That world would mark a major change from the legal drama that made Meghan famous.
Meghan played Rachel Zane in Suits for seven seasons. Her final episode aired in 2018 after she stepped away from the programme and prepared to join the royal family.
ED! has contacted representatives for Meghan for comment on The Gentlemen claims.
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