NEWSTheo James Addresses Meghan Markle Casting Rumors After 'The Gentlemen' Drama
Theo James addressed rumors that Meghan Markle could join 'The Gentlemen' Season 3.
Sept. 3 2026, Updated 7:47 a.m. ET
Theo James is setting the record straight on the buzz surrounding Meghan Markle and The Gentlemen.
The actor was asked about the rumors that the Duchess of Sussex could appear in Season 3 of the Netflix series while attending the Season 2 premiere at The Guildhall in London, England, on Wednesday, September 2.
Theo James addressed the ongoing rumors that Meghan Markle could join ‘The Gentlemen’ for its third season.
While speaking with Town & Country, James was asked whether a former royal could be joining the show.
He couldn't resist having a little fun with the question.
“Yes, Fergie is joining. She’ll be playing my love interest,” he replied, jokingly pretending that Sarah Ferguson would be joining the show.
‘A Lot of Hot Air’
Theo James joked that Sarah Ferguson, also known as Fergie, would play his love interest before addressing the Meghan Markle speculation.
James then addressed the speculation surrounding Meghan.
“No, I think that was mainly a lot of hot air. 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," he stated.
That last phrase is especially notable because it lines up with a similarly vague response from Netflix's scripted chief in the U.K., Manda Levin.
Levin was asked about the Meghan casting reports during the Edinburgh TV Festival in August.
“All bets are off,” she said.
- Meghan Markle's Casting in Season 3 of 'The Gentlemen' Has Been Withdrawn Due to Intense Backlash, Source Claims
- Meghan Markle Slammed as 'Narcissist' by Critics Over Reported Demands for New U.K. Home: 'Who Does This Woman Think She Is?'
- Meghan Markle's Show 'With Love, Meghan' 'Became a Punchline' and 'Poisoned' As Ever, Claims Expert: 'The Credibility Was Gone'
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
What to Expect From Season 2
Theo James said the plans for Season 3 are still ‘very much up in the air.'
For now, the focus is on the second season of the Guy Ritchie series.
The show's official description reads: “It’s been one year since Eddie and Susie (Kaya Scodelario) joined forces to work together in Bobby’s (Ray Winstone) criminal empire overseas. As they drive to expand their enterprise, the decisions Bobby is making seem to be increasingly unsound. Now Eddie and Susie must decide whether to take action or risk losing it all, but unfettered ambition never ends well.”
Meghan Markle Casting Reports Sparked Controversy
Netflix U.K. scripted chief Manda Levin previously gave a cryptic response when asked about Meghan Markle's reported casting.
As OK! previously reported, royal author Tina Brown claimed that Meghan's reported casting had been taken off the table following backlash.
"I learned this morning the backlash against the casting of Meghan Markle in season three of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen has been withdrawn," Brown penned on her Substack page on Saturday, August 22.
"The backlash in the U.K. was so intense, it became untenable to go forward. This does not bode well for Meghan’s acting comeback in the U.K.," she continued.
The reports came as Meghan and her family have faced renewed attention over their plans involving the U.K.
The couple stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020 and later established their main home in Montecito, Calif.
Meghan and Prince Harry are now expected to establish a private, non-royal home in Britain while maintaining their Montecito residence and their home in Portugal.
