Theo James Casts Cold Water on Meghan Markle Joining The Gentlemen — But Netflix Won't Rule It Out
Theo James has poured cold water on the rumour that Meghan Markle is joining The Gentlemen, telling Deadline with a wry smile: "I think that's unlikely."
When asked directly in a Deadline interview published 3 September 2026 whether the Duchess of Sussex had been cast in Season 3, James joked "Prince Harry?" before appearing to deny it. He also confirmed that Season 3 had not yet started production and that his focus was on Season 2, which began streaming on Netflix the same day. Deadline
That denial, though, is not the whole story. Netflix's UK scripted boss Manda Levin refused to rule out Markle's involvement, saying cryptically: "All bets are off." Deadline
The speculation began in late August, when Deadline's Editor-in-Chief Nellie Andreeva reported that the high-profile British show Markle was reportedly in talks for was The Gentlemen — the Guy Ritchie-created Netflix series that spins out of his 2019 Miramax film of the same name. At the time, the show had not yet been officially renewed for a third season, though Deadline noted that was considered likely. Deadline
By 24 August, Netflix had confirmed the renewal. Netflix's Tudum site and Variety both reported the greenlight, with Variety adding that James and co-star Kaya Scodelario are set to return. Deadline Variety
The renewal landed while Markle reportedly remained in talks for a role, and Netflix declined to deny the casting when pressed. Deadline
Deadline also reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had announced they would return to the UK for an extended period of time — a detail that fed into the casting swirl, given that The Gentlemen films in Britain. Deadline
For now, the story fans can actually watch is Season 2. It picks up a year after Eddie (James) and Susie (Scodelario) joined forces to run Bobby's criminal empire overseas. This time, the drug operation moves into Italy, where Eddie and Susie collide with the country's aristocratic "old money" families and the Italian mafia. James admitted he was initially hesitant about the Italy storyline, feeling there had been many Italian mafia portrayals on screen already. Deadline
New to the cast is Benedetta Porcaroli as Bella, an Italian countess and stepdaughter of a criminal figure, who falls for Eddie. That romantic thread runs alongside the expansion plot. Deadline
So where does that leave the Markle question? James says unlikely. Netflix says all bets are off. Season 3 has not started filming. Until someone confirms a casting, the rumour stays a rumour.
