Guy Ritchie rejects Meghan Markle’s rumoured role in ‘The Gentlemen’

Meghan Markle will not join the cast of The Gentlemen, according to a report by British newspaper The Sun, which cited unnamed sources.

Meghan Markle will not join the cast of The Gentlemen, according to a report by British newspaper The Sun, which cited unnamed sources.

The Duchess of Sussex, who played Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, had reportedly been in talks to appear in the series as part of a possible return to acting. The reports emerged around the time she and Prince Harry returned to Britain.

One source told The Sun that director Guy Ritchie was unhappy with the speculation about Markle joining the show. His reported reaction was: “Really?” followed by: “Not a chance.”

The source said Markle was no longer being considered for the third season, which the report said would feature Robert Carlyle and Maya Jama. “Robert is an industry icon, and Theo [James] himself made it clear he wanted him part of the cast,” the source said.

“Meghan, though, is now out of contention. There was a meeting, but it’s been decided she won’t be part of the cast,” the source added.

Markle has recently returned to acting after a break of nearly a decade. She has a cameo as herself in the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios comedy Close Personal Friends, which stars Lily Collins and Brie Larson.

A source told The Sun during filming that the role was intended to help her “gently” ease back into life on set.