Meghan Markle’s Possible Acting Return Sparks Hollywood Doubts
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK has fueled speculation that the Duchess of Sussex could be preparing to revive her acting career. However, senior television executives have dismissed the idea that a potential TV role is behind the couple’s decision to move back.
Industry insiders, speaking anonymously, told Sky News there was “no chance” the Sussexes would uproot their family simply because of an acting opportunity.
Harry and Meghan arrived in the UK this week, shortly after announcing plans to relocate with their children, Archie and Lilibet. The couple stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 before settling in California.
Their surprise move quickly sparked speculation about Meghan’s professional future, including reports that she had discussed a possible role in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen.
One producer with experience working with Netflix said it was highly unlikely the family’s return was motivated by a single acting role.
“You don’t uproot your family for one role in a show,” the producer said.
The insider suggested producers may have initially considered creating a small role for Meghan, but concerns over the level of publicity surrounding her could have changed their minds.
Another TV executive said Meghan’s involvement could potentially attract additional viewers, but warned that casting her would also bring significant challenges.
“She would attract publicity,” the executive said, adding that this could potentially translate into higher ratings. However, the insider questioned whether audiences would be able to see her purely as an actress rather than as a member of the royal family.
“You need actors who inhabit roles and are believable. How do you get over the fact she’s a duchess?” the executive said.
Another industry figure argued that Meghan’s fame alone would not necessarily be enough to secure a major project, describing her as a divisive figure despite her successful acting career.
There would also be practical concerns, including the level of security that could be required if Meghan were filming on location.
Meghan left acting after marrying Prince Harry in 2018, stepping away from her role as Rachel Zane on Suits, the legal drama in which she appeared for seven seasons.
Since stepping back from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have pursued several entertainment projects. They signed major deals with Netflix and Spotify, with Meghan later launching her lifestyle series With Love, Meghan. Their Spotify partnership eventually ended, while the Netflix series was not renewed for a third season.
The couple have also remained involved in production, serving as executive producers on the documentary Cookie Queens, released in January.
There is little precedent for women who marry into the British Royal Family returning to established careers. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, for example, left her PR career after marrying Prince Edward.
One TV executive acknowledged that Meghan remains a talented and successful actress but suggested that finding the right roles could be difficult.
“She’s had success, and she’s a good actress,” the executive said. “But she’s not Grace Kelly, who was a world-famous actress who became a princess.”