Meghan Markle’s Acting Comeback Takes Unexpected Turn as Pal Reveals ‘Used for Publicity’ Claim
Meghan Markle’s hopes of a lucrative Hollywood comeback have been thrown into doubt after a close pal of Duchess of Sussex claimed she was “used” for publicity over a possible role in Netflix’s The Gentlemen—leaving people in her camp with a bitter taste.
The Duchess of Sussex was reportedly considered for a potential appearance in the Netflix series, but claims that the opportunity was a lucrative deal appear to have been overstated, according to sources quoted by The Telegraph.
The reports emerged around the time Meghan returned to the UK for engagements in Nottingham, marking her first visit to British soil in six years, as described in the supplied account.
The possibility of an acting comeback attracted attention because Meghan had stepped away from her previous career after marrying Prince Harry and becoming a working member of the Royal Family.
However, a source quoted by The Telegraph suggested that people close to Meghan believed the discussions surrounding The Gentlemen may have served more as publicity for the programme than as a genuine casting opportunity.
“Some people in her camp feel she was used to help promote season two, because they knew it wasn’t as good as the first season and had already commissioned a third,” the source claimed.
The insider also alleged that the industry sometimes generates attention by suggesting a well-known performer is discussing a role, even when negotiations have not progressed very far.
“It’s the oldest marketing trick in the book: get a big name to read a script, then leak that you’re ‘in conversation’ with them when, in reality, nothing is particularly far along,” the source added.
The insider said the situation had reportedly left people in the Sussex camp with “a bit of a sour taste”. However, these comments represent an unnamed source’s account, and there has been no independent confirmation that Netflix deliberately used Meghan to promote the series.
The streaming platform reportedly benefited from significant viewing figures and renewed attention surrounding the show, although that does not establish that the publicity was deliberately engineered around Meghan.
The claims have revived questions about how the Duchess might approach a return to acting while continuing to develop her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and other professional interests.
Meghan has previously spoken about her interest in creative projects, and reports suggest she has been reading scripts as she considers potential opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Sources have also suggested that public appearances similar to her Nottingham engagements may remain relatively rare while she focuses on evaluating possible projects.
That could allow Meghan to consider roles carefully rather than rushing into a return to the screen, although her representatives have not confirmed a specific acting schedule.
For now, there is no confirmed announcement that Meghan has secured a role in The Gentlemen or another major production. The reports instead highlight the uncertainty surrounding the discussions and the expectations attached to her possible comeback.
Whether the Duchess eventually returns to scripted television or film remains to be seen, but the latest claims have placed her acting ambitions back in the spotlight.
