The Duchess of Sussex, 45, was believed to have been under consideration for season three of Guy Ritchie’s crime caper.
However, her cast has been reportedly withdrawn according to sources.
The news came two days after the duchess and Prince Harry were revealed to be returning to the UK for an indefinite period, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, starting school in the UK next month.
Royal author Tina Brown claimed on Saturday that Meghan’s offer of a role had already been withdrawn because the ‘backlash was so intense it became untenable’.
‘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this morning that the casting of Meghan Markle in season 3 of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen has been withdrawn.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.’
It came as industry experts claimed talk of Meghan being linked with a role in the show could have been leaked as a cynical PR tactic to create a buzz around her upcoming arrival in the UK.
Variety today confirmed that season three of The Gentlemen is happening, adding that casting is yet to be confirmed.
Ritchie also gave a statement to the magazine, in which he made no mention of the duchess. ‘The ambition of “The Gentlemen” has accelerated, the world has expanded and the consequences carry weight,’ he said.
‘A third season felt inevitable, and I’m looking forward to pushing the boundaries of it further.’
Netflix declined to comment on Meghan’s potential involvement in the show.
