After a long hiatus from acting, Meghan Markle is making her much-anticipated return to the screen. The Duchess of Sussex has joined the cast of Close Personal Friends, an upcoming comedy film produced by Amazon MGM Studios. This marks Markle’s first scripted role in eight years, following her departure from Suits in 2017.
The project has generated significant attention, partly due to Markle’s return to acting after becoming a global figure through her marriage to Prince Harry and her ventures in media production. With a star-studded cast, including Brie Larson, Lily Collins, and Jack Quaid, the movie is already making waves in the entertainment industry.
Meghan Markle’s Role in Close Personal Friends
The upcoming film, directed by Jason Orley, is described as a comedy about a couple’s trip to Santa Barbara, where they unexpectedly meet a variety of celebrities. Although details on Markle’s role are scarce, she is reported to have a smaller part in the ensemble cast, which also includes Brie Larson, Henry Golding, and Jack Quaid.
| Cast Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Meghan Markle | Unnamed Minor Role |
| Brie Larson | Lead role (unnamed) |
| Lily Collins | Supporting role (unnamed) |
| Jack Quaid | Supporting role (unnamed) |
| Henry Golding | Supporting role (unnamed) |
The movie is being described as a lighthearted exploration of fame and human connections, with the central plot revolving around the comedic misadventures of a couple meeting famous personalities during their trip.
Meghan Markle’s Return to Acting: A Personal Decision
While Markle’s return to the screen comes after a significant break, it is clear that this project is a way for her to dip her toes back into the acting world. An insider close to the production explained:
“It is Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set.”
Markle’s acting career began in the early 2000s, but she rose to international fame through her role as Rachel Zane on Suits, where she starred for seven seasons before stepping away from acting following her wedding to Prince Harry. In 2018, Markle shifted her focus to humanitarian work and her role as a senior member of the British royal family. After stepping down from royal duties in 2020, Markle and Harry have since focused on various media projects, including their Netflix documentary series and Markle’s own podcast.
“It’s important to do what brings you joy,” said a source close to Markle’s family, speaking about her decision to return to acting. “Harry is really supportive of whatever she decides to pursue.”
The Film’s Production: From London to California
Filming for Close Personal Friends began in London, before moving to California to complete the shoot. Markle was recently seen on set in Pasadena, California, where sources described her as appearing “very relaxed and happy.” Despite the lack of official comments from Amazon, multiple outlets have reported on the high spirits surrounding the production.
| Production Stage | Location |
|---|---|
| Filming Start | London, 2024 |
| Filming End | California, 2025 |
| Expected Release | Early 2026 |
The move from London to California allowed for the film’s final scenes to be shot in a more fitting location for the comedic elements of the plot, with Santa Barbara serving as the ideal backdrop for the story’s exploration of fame and personal relationships.
Meghan Markle’s Last On-Screen Role and Future Career Path
Before taking a break from acting, Markle was best known for her role in Suits, which made her a household name. She appeared in 108 episodes between 2011 and 2018. After leaving the show, Markle’s last on-camera appearance was in 2021 with her Netflix cooking series With Love, Meghan, which was produced under her Archewell Productions banner.
It has been suggested that Markle’s role in Close Personal Friends is more than just a cameo; it is seen as a way for her to re-engage with her acting roots while exploring her current interests. Several sources noted that Markle has been selective with her projects, focusing on work that aligns with her values and passions.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
While Meghan Markle’s involvement in the project is a significant talking point, the rest of the cast is equally impressive. Academy Award-winning actress Brie Larson leads the film alongside Lily Collins and Jack Quaid, bringing star power to the project. The supporting cast includes Henry Golding and Teyana Taylor, adding further depth to the ensemble.
Given the high-profile cast, there’s a significant amount of buzz surrounding the release of Close Personal Friends, especially with the film expected to deliver humor and heart. The film’s director, Jason Orley, is known for his work on The Big Sick and Brittany Runs a Marathon, which further raises anticipation for this new project.
Why Meghan Markle’s Role Matters?
Markle’s decision to return to acting has garnered considerable interest, not just for the film itself, but because it marks her personal and professional return to a world that brought her significant success. In the years since her royal exit, Markle has kept a relatively low profile in terms of acting but has maintained her connection to the entertainment industry through various media projects.
As she continues to redefine her career, Markle’s return to acting signifies a potential shift in her public persona, as well as an opportunity to challenge herself creatively within the entertainment industry. If Close Personal Friends performs well, it could pave the way for further acting projects in the future, further expanding her influence both in Hollywood and beyond.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s return to acting in Close Personal Friends marks a significant chapter in her evolving career. After stepping away from Hollywood to focus on her role as the Duchess of Sussex, she is now testing the waters with a smaller but notable role. Whether this is the beginning of a more permanent return to acting remains to be seen, but Close Personal Friends has already made its mark as a highly anticipated project that blends celebrity allure with a humorous take on relationships and fame.
FAQs
The film is expected to release in early 2026, with filming scheduled to wrap in 2025.
Markle plays a minor role in the comedy, which focuses on a couple meeting celebrities during a trip to Santa Barbara.
Yes, this is Markle’s first acting role since departing Suits in 2017.
The film stars Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding, among others.
It’s unclear whether Markle will return to acting full-time, but her participation in Close Personal Friends suggests she’s open to taking on more roles.
