Meghan Markle reportedly dropped from 'The Gentlemen' amid UK backlash

Meghan Markle's reported role in Guy Ritchie's 'The Gentlemen' allegedly withdrawn following UK backlash Meghan Markle. photo: file Meghan Markle's reported casting in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen has been withdrawn, according to a report by Tina Brown, following what she described as intense backlash in the UK. Brown, the former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, made the claim in a Substack column published Saturday. She wrote, "I learned this morning that the casting of Meghan Markle in season 3 of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen has been withdrawn. 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." The Hollywood Reporter contacted Markle's representative and WME, which represents both Markle and Ritchie, but did not receive comment. Brown said she stands by her reporting. The report comes one day after The Hollywood Reporter reported that Markle was in advanced discussions to join the third season of The Gentlemen. Her role was reportedly being written specifically for the season, although the third instalment has not yet been renewed. Netflix declined to comment on the reported casting. The second season of The Gentlemen is scheduled to premiere on September 3 and stars Theo James. Ritchie created the series, which was adapted from his 2019 film of the same name. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ritchie met Markle through mutual acquaintances. A role in The Gentlemen would have marked Markle's return to acting following her departure from the profession in 2017, when she became engaged to Prince Harry. The couple have recently announced plans to move back to the UK, with Brown reporting that Markle's potential acting opportunity was a significant factor in the decision. Markle and Prince Harry have also maintained a relationship with Netflix since signing an overall deal with the streaming service after relocating to California in 2020. Netflix also announced earlier this year that it was exiting Markle's lifestyle brand, As Ever.