Meghan Markle is making a notable return to acting after an eight-year hiatus, joining the cast of the upcoming film Close Personal Friends. The Duchess of Sussex, who previously starred in the legal drama Suits, will portray herself in this Amazon MGM Studios project. Filming has already commenced in Pasadena, California, generating excitement among her fans.
While many celebrate Markle’s return, public relations expert Ryan McCormick has issued a cautionary note regarding the potential impact of her role on her reputation. In an exclusive interview with The Express US, McCormick suggested that if Markle’s performance significantly lags behind her co-stars, it could lead to what he describes as a “reputational crisis.” He emphasized, “What could cause this engagement to become a reputational crisis is if her acting dramatically pales in comparison to her featured co-stars to the point where it appears they are in two different films.”
Despite these concerns, McCormick believes that a “brief but memorable role” could yield positive outcomes for Markle. He noted the current challenges faced by the film industry, citing that October 2025 marked the lowest US box office performance in 27 years, suggesting that the industry is ripe for new narratives and casting experiments.
“This timing actually works in Markle’s favor,” McCormick explained. “By having a brief appearance, the pressure of delivering success is alleviated on Markle. She has a very strong hand.”
In Close Personal Friends, Markle will join a diverse cast including well-known actors such as Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Brit Henry, and Jack Quaid. The film’s storyline revolves around a couple who develops a friendship with a famous duo during a trip to Santa Barbara.
Filming began recently, with reports indicating that Markle exhibited enthusiasm on set. A source shared insights with People Magazine, noting, “She introduced herself as ‘Meghan.’ Everything about her was very sweet and calm.” The insider added that Markle seemed excited to return to acting, even joking about feeling a bit rusty. “It was obvious that she had rehearsed and that it was a big deal for her to be back. And she was great.”
The source also described Markle’s demeanor as having a “warm energy,” indicating she was “super pleasant to be around,” further highlighting her positive presence on set. This sentiment suggests that, despite concerns about her return to acting, Markle’s enthusiasm could resonate well with both fans and the film industry.
As Meghan Markle steps back into the world of acting, her journey will undoubtedly be closely watched by audiences and industry experts alike. With the film industry evolving and audiences seeking fresh narratives, her performance may serve as a pivotal moment in her career.
