Meghan Markle's prospective role in Netflix's "The Gentlemen" stalls after executive departure

Meghan Markle is no longer in discussions to appear in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix drama "The Gentlemen," according to sources familiar with the matter. Industry observers attribute the shift to the recent exit of Bela Bajaria, who had served as Markle’s primary supporter within the streaming company.

"Harry and Meghan's champion inside Netflix, Bela Bajaria, has recently left the streaming service," British broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "The previous safety net is gone. Unfortunately for Meghan, she may want to jump straight into a top acting role, but there is far more stacked against it happening."

Variety reported that Bajaria’s departure follows a broader restructuring at Netflix that included layoffs affecting roughly 1,000 employees. A Netflix consultant familiar with the situation said the couple’s projects are now without their strongest internal advocate, creating uncertainty about future collaborations.

Kinsey Schofield, host of "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," said the couple’s relationship with Netflix appears to be ending.

"Netflix has already withdrawn from its investment in As Ever," Schofield told Fox News Digital. "Meghan herself credited Bajaria with recognizing the television potential in her homemade gifts. She told the TIME100 Summit that 'With Love, Meghan' was Bajaria's idea. Now, after Bajaria's departure, we're hearing accusations that Netflix exploited Meghan for publicity. Does that sound like a relationship with a promising future? I suspect Meghan's camp feels comfortable criticizing Netflix because there's nothing left to protect."

Sources close to Markle indicated that the initial talks about her joining the cast were in very early stages and that the role was still being written, leaving the extent of her involvement unclear. A source close to Netflix rejected claims that the series needed a high-profile cameo for ratings.

British royal expert Hilary Fordwich noted that neither Netflix nor Markle’s representatives have publicly addressed the casting rumors, adding that the show would have been a high-profile opportunity for the Duchess regardless of its impact on viewership.

The partnership between the Sussexes and Netflix, which began in 2020 with a reported $100 million deal, has seen several projects released, including the documentary series "Harry & Meghan" and the lifestyle show "With Love, Meghan." In March 2026, the two parties announced the end of their collaboration on the lifestyle brand As Ever. While a new first-look agreement between Netflix and Archewell Productions was announced in August 2025, the future of any joint ventures remains uncertain.

Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner said Markle’s desire to act appears genuine, citing her previous experience on the series "Suits." However, industry analysts suggest that any potential role would need to be evaluated on its own merits rather than as a vehicle for broader publicity.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by public figures transitioning between media platforms, especially when internal champions within large corporations depart.