Rumors began to surface that Meghan Markle was in talks to join Netflix‘s “The Gentlemen” amid her and Prince Harry’s return to the United Kingdom. Now, following multiple developments, one of the stars of the show, actor Theo James, is weighing in, revealing why he doesn’t see the “Suits” alum joining the hit series.
Theo James Says It’s ‘Unlikely’ That Meghan Markle Will Join ‘The Gentlemen’
GettyJames attended the premiere event for “The Gentlemen” season two on September 2. While on the red carpet, the actor spoke to Deadline, with the reporter asking about rumors that Markle would join the series for its third season, which has not yet entered production.
“I think that’s unlikely,” he said. James then explained, “In reality, we haven’t even started Season 3. I want to concentrate on Season 2 – the thing that’s coming out right now. Season 3 will start to build, but we’ve still got a lot of building to do.”
Previously, while talking to Town & Country, James said about the rumors, “No, I think that was mainly a lot of hot air.”
He continued, “At the moment, we’re just trying to get as many eyes on season two, and then season three will happen soon. But in terms of story, we have the overarching ambition of where we’re going to go. We’re going to expand the world, go to different countries. But in terms of the minutiae, I mean, it’s still very much up in the air.”
The Actor Also Discussed Changes in Season 2
Elsewhere in the interview, James also discussed the change of setting for the show’s second season. Notably, much of it will take place in Italy rather than in England, where the first season of “The Gentlemen” was set.
“I was a little reticent at first when we started discussing the idea of Italy,” James stated. “I like the idea of visiting a new place – tonally it gives it a different element cinematically – but my reticence was we’ve seen a lot of Italian mafia, and some of my favorite pieces of screen work are that.”
“But in Guy’s realm, and with Bene and all the great Italian actors, there’s an element of class there, and there’s a great romanticism to it, and that’s one thing we haven’t seen before: the romance of it,” he added.
The Timeline of Events of Meghan Markle’s Rumored Casting
GettyDeadline reported in late August that Markle was in talks to join James and the rest of the cast of “The Gentlemen.” Later, outlets like The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the “Suits” alum was in “advanced discussions” to join, signaling that her casting in the series was likely.
However, on August 22, Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown reported that Markle’s casting for “The Gentlemen” wasn’t moving forward and that any offer extended to the actress had been withdrawn. Brown’s report claimed that the decision came as a result of backlash generated by reports of her casting.
There have been multiple reports about Markle’s potential casting in the series since Brown stated her offer had been withdrawn. An insider told The Sun that the actress remained in talks for a role on the show and that there had not been an agreement reached.
Regarding “The Gentlemen,” the show’s second season premiered on September 3. All eight episodes of the show were released simultaneously.
