The Gentlemen hits back at Meghan Markle publicity claims: 'Not in need of stunt casting'

The Gentlemen does not need a publicity boost from Meghan Markle, a show insider has said.

At the weekend, a friend of the Duchess accused the show of leaking her potential casting in the Netflix series to help boost ratings.

But now a source close to production has strongly refuted those claims. 

"This is not a show in need of stunt casting," the insider told The Times.

It was back in August that reports emerged suggesting Meghan was in talks to star in the hit Guy Ritchie drama. 

The former Suits star was said to have been in advanced discussion to join the cast. But just 24 hours later, a deal seemed to be off the table.

'Oldest marketing trick in the book'

Last week, a friend told The Telegraph: "Some people in her camp feel she was used to help promote season two, because they knew it wasn't as good as the first season and had already commissioned a third.

"It's the oldest marketing trick in the book: get a big name to read a script, then leak that you’re ‘in conversation’ with them when, in reality, nothing is particularly far along.

"The whole thing left a bit of a sour taste in the Sussex camp’s mouth. Needless to say, Netflix got what it wanted: huge viewing figures for season two and a lot of publicity."

Meghan's return to her acting career

It comes after it was confirmed that Meghan is looking to return to her acting career following the Sussexes's surprise move back to the UK.

Last week, Harry and Meghan made their first joint appearance since coming back to Britain - but it was said that Meghan does not intend to make regular public appearances going forward.

Instead her focus is said to be on her family, her As Ever brand, and her acting career.

Meghan is reported to be reading scripts for both TV and films, but is "very cautious" in case news of her involvement is leaked to the press.

"They're being very cautious about which scripts they agree to read at the moment," a source told the publication.

"Everyone knows that whatever Meghan's first film or show turns out to be, it's going to attract huge interest. The prospect of seeing her return to acting will drive big audiences, and ultimately, someone – whether it's Netflix, Amazon or another studio – is going to make a lot of money from it."

How did the stars of The Gentlemen react to Meghan rumours?

The stars of the hit show largely laughed off reports that the Duchess was joining the cast.

Leading man Theo James dismissed the speculation as 'mainly a lot of hot air'and "spurious," calling the practicalities of her joining "impossible".

He also jokingly deflected the question in an interview with Town & Country, quipping, "Yes, Fergie is joining. She'll be playing my love interest," referring to Sarah Ferguson. 

Vinnie Jones, who plays groundskeeper Geoff Seacombe, reportedly branded the idea of Meghan joining the show as "horrifically bad". He cheekily pushed back against the need for her star power by adding, "We've got a lot of pretty women in this series, so I'm not sure there's room for any more."

Guy Ritchie, series creator and director, reportedly reacted with a blunt, 'Really?' when first told about the casting rumours. He is then said to have completely ruled out the chance of Meghan appearing in the future, stating, "Not a chance." 

Where do Harry and Meghan currently stand with Netflix?

Of course, Meghan and Harry have history with Netflix. The Duke and Duchess signed a contract with the streaming giant in 2020 to produce TV and films for the streaming platform, believed to be worth about $100m (£75m).

Meghan's lifestyle and cookery show - With Love, Meghan - ran for two series and a Christmas special but did not perform well with audiences.

After the contract ended in the summer of 2025, it was replaced by a "first look deal" which gives Netflix first dibs on any new proposed shows from the couple.

Then, in March this year, it was announced that Netflix had also ended its deal with Meghan's lifestyle brand.

As Ever was launched by Meghan in 2025 and was supported financially by the streaming service in a separate deal to that of her TV content.

A spokesperson for As Ever said it was grateful for the partnership with Netflix during the brand's first year, adding: "We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As ever is now ready to stand on its own."

Netflix said in a statement: "Meghan's passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life.

"As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently."