**Meghan Markle Set to Revive Acting Career with Role in New Film “Close Personal Friends”**
*Published: November 5, 2025, 7:45 p.m. ET*
When it seemed like things couldn’t get any worse professionally for “Duchess Difficult” Meghan Markle, the former royal has reportedly turned things around. In a last-ditch attempt at Hollywood success, Markle, 44, is set to revive her acting career by appearing as herself in the upcoming movie *Close Personal Friends*, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
### A Star-Studded Cast
The film features an impressive lineup including Academy Award winner Brie Larson, *Emily in Paris*’ Lily Collins, *The Hunger Games* star Jack Quaid, and *Crazy Rich Asians*’ Henry Golding. The storyline centers around two couples—one famous, the other not—who meet in Santa Barbara and quickly become close friends.
Markle was reportedly spotted on set in Pasadena, California, on Wednesday, November 5. Although it’s unclear how much screen time the Duchess of Sussex will receive, the Amazon MGM Studios production, first announced in August, has generated quite a buzz.
### A Meaningful Connection
Interestingly, Markle’s role ties in with where she currently lives: the movie’s couples meet in Santa Barbara, close to her Montecito residence.
“This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves,” a studio insider shared. Another source added, “She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right. It’s Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set.”
The insider also revealed, “Everyone involved is super-excited and has been sworn to secrecy about her involvement.”
### Support from Prince Harry
Markle’s return to acting coincides with Prince Harry’s arrival in Toronto, Canada, where he is meeting with military veterans as part of a pseudo-royal tour.
“Prince Harry is, of course, really supportive and quite simply wants Meghan to do whatever brings her joy,” the source said.
Back in 2022, Markle had stated regarding her acting career, “I’m done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not return to her former career.” It appears she may be reconsidering.
### Markle’s Acting Past and Royal Life
Markle hasn’t acted since starring in the USA Network series *Suits*, where she played paralegal Rachel Zane. She appeared in the show’s first seven seasons before her character married Michael Ross (played by Patrick J. Adams) and moved to Seattle to start a law firm.
Her exit aligned perfectly with the budding romance between Markle and Prince Harry. Markle’s final *Suits* episode aired in April 2018, just one month before their royal wedding.
Notably, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly encouraged Markle to continue acting despite marrying into the royal family. According to both Princess Diana’s biographer Andrew Morton and Prince Philip’s friend Gyles Brandreth, the Queen told Markle during a 2017 meeting that she didn’t have to give up her career. However, Markle indicated she was “ready for royal duty,” fully embracing her role as a working royal.
In early 2020, Markle and Harry sensationally stepped back from royal duties and relocated to California, marking a turning point in their public and professional lives.
### Challenges in Hollywood
Markle’s new acting role arrives amid a slump in business opportunities for the duchess and Harry in Hollywood.
“There is not only no appetite left for them in LA, but they’ve also worn through any goodwill they had,” an insider told RadarOnline.com, referring to the couple especially after their exclusive Netflix deal reportedly collapsed into a limited first-look agreement.
Markle’s current projects include a holiday episode of *With Love, Meghan*, seemingly marking the end of her TV cooking and lifestyle guru stint. A second insider commented, “People are sick of them; the act has gotten stale,” adding that the duo had upset some Tinseltown executives with their perceived lack of professionalism.
### The As Ever Brand and High-Priced Products
The duchess continues to work on her As Ever brand, which recently launched a new series of holiday gift products. Fans, however, have expressed sticker shock at the high prices—two new candles retail for $64 each, while a honey duo gift box is priced at $62.
One bright spot for Markle’s business is a notable endorsement from Oprah Winfrey, a close friend, who featured Markle’s Signature Fruit Spread Gift Box in her *Favorite Things 2025* holiday gift guide. During the announcement, Oprah gushed over lavish holiday items, including a “good pair” of cashmere lounging pants, though some viewers felt she seemed a bit out of touch.
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With this surprise return to acting, Meghan Markle may be aiming to reshape her public image and revive her professional career on her own terms. Only time will tell if this move marks a successful new chapter for the former duchess in Hollywood.
https://radaronline.com/p/meghan-markle-hollywood-return-acting-new-movie/