Meghan Markle was reportedly one of several actresses Guy Ritchie mentioned while brainstorming ideas for a third series of his Netflix drama The Gentlemen, according to an insider who says a role for her "wouldn't rule out it happening" as scripts are still being finalised. The claim follows days of conflicting reports about whether the Duchess of Sussex has been offered a part, coming shortly after she and Prince Harry announced plans to return to Britain, with some industry figures suggesting the story may have been strategically leaked to generate publicity around her homecoming.

A source told Variety the idea was an "incredibly nascent concept" floated among a "smorgasbord of names", and noted both Meghan and Ritchie share the same talent agency, WME, fuelling speculation her team encouraged the rumours. Reports had varied: News.com.au first suggested she was eyeing a role, Deadline said she was in preliminary talks, while author Tina Brown claimed any offer had already been withdrawn after intense backlash; Variety later confirmed a third season was commissioned but casting undecided, and Ritchie's own statement made no mention of her. Netflix and representatives for the Sussexes declined to comment, and PR expert Mark Borkowski said the timing appeared designed to generate attention without any formal confirmation.