Theo James Plays Down Meghan Markle’s Gentlemen Rumors

Theo James is lowering expectations that Meghan Markle will join The Gentlemen, even as speculation continues around the Netflix drama’s third season. In two recent interviews, the series lead treated the rumored casting lightly and stressed that detailed work on the next chapter has barely begun.

James redirects attention to Season 2

Asked directly about the Duchess of Sussex, James joked before saying he thought the prospect was unlikely. In a separate conversation, he characterized the chatter as largely “hot air.” His comments do not amount to an official casting decision, because creator and showrunner Guy Ritchie controls that process and Markle’s representatives have not publicly confirmed a role.

The rumor gained momentum after reports described early discussions about Markle joining a high-profile British production. Netflix had not closed the door when one of its UK scripted executives was asked about the possibility, but no character or formal deal has been announced.

James said the team remains focused on the second season, which is arriving on Netflix now. Although the streamer has already renewed the crime drama for Season 3, he explained that its broader direction exists while the finer story details are still being developed.

The criminal empire moves to Italy

Season 2 resumes a year after Eddie, played by James, and Susie, played by Kaya Scodelario, joined forces inside Bobby’s criminal operation. Their expansion takes the enterprise into Italy, where old-money aristocracy and organized crime complicate both business and personal loyalties.

James acknowledged that he was initially cautious about using an Italian mafia storyline because the territory is so familiar on screen. He said Ritchie’s approach, the Italian cast and the season’s romantic dimension gave the setting a different tone. Benedetta Porcaroli joins the story as Bella, an Italian countess who becomes connected to Eddie.

The new episodes also push Eddie further from his earlier identity as a former peacekeeper and deeper into life as a crime boss. That character shift, rather than an unconfirmed celebrity cameo, is the development viewers can actually assess now.

For the moment, the Markle story remains exactly that: a casting rumor without an announced deal. James has made clear that Season 2 is the priority, while Season 3’s final shape is still being built.