Meghan Markle’s eagerly awaited return to acting has taken an unexpectedly humiliating turn as reports emerge that her role in the Amazon MGM comedy "Close Personal Friends" was drastically cut down to a mere walk-on appearance. Sources close to the production reveal that Meghan originally auditioned for a more substantive role, but the director decided to reduce her screen time to only five seconds—sparking rumors of on-set disagreements and backlash.
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“Close Personal Friends,” starring Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding, marked Meghan’s first acting project since stepping away from her role in “Suits” eight years ago. The film centers around the comedic dynamics of two couples, with Meghan playing herself in a cameo intended to gently ease her back into Hollywood.
However, insiders say the initial enthusiasm quickly soured. Although Meghan was reported to be friendly and professional during shooting, creative differences emerged as the production team navigated the complexities of casting a former royal amidst intense media scrutiny. The director, Jason Orley, allegedly felt Meghan’s scenes detracted from the film’s original tone.
The deletion of key scenes and reduction of Meghan’s role stirred a media storm, with critics calling it a public snub and others suggesting it was a strategic move to minimize potential controversy. Some speculate that the buzz around Meghan’s off-screen life influenced the decision, as studios remain wary of public backlash that could overshadow the movie.
Despite the brief screen time, Meghan’s participation was highly publicized, and the shortened role has been an embarrassing setback in her bid to rebuild her acting career. Fans and critics alike have debated whether this incident will hinder her future projects or serve as a learning curve.
Meghan’s camp has remained tight-lipped, focusing on her growing portfolio behind the camera through Archewell Productions and philanthropic work.
This development highlights the challenges former royals face in crafting independent careers in the entertainment industry while managing pervasive media attention and public opinion.
As Meghan looks ahead, it remains to be seen how she will rebound from what some are calling “a rocky and rushed return.”
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