Meghan Markle is making a comeback to acting for the first time since her marriage to Prince Harry. On 5 November 2025, the Duchess of Sussex was spotted on the set of the upcoming Hollywood movie Close Personal Friends in Pasadena, California.
This marks her return to acting eight years after she left Suits (2011-2019) following her engagement with Prince Harry in 2017. The couple got married the following year and stepped down as senior members of the royal family in early 2020.
While fans got to see her on screen most recently with her Netflix show With Love, Meghan (2025-), this venture marks the first fiction project she has been a part of since Suits. Read on for more deets.
About Close Personal Friends: Plot and cast details
Close Personal Friends is an Amazon MGM Studios film, starring Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Jack Quaid and Henry Golding. It is directed by Jason Orley, known for his work on The Intern (2015) and I Want You Back (2022).
While details are under wraps, the film is about a couple who befriend a celebrity pair during a trip to Santa Barbara.
Regarding Markle’s role, an insider told PEOPLE, “She has a small part. She seemed very relaxed and happy. She introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth.” Reportedly, the duchess will be playing herself.
A studio source told The Sun, “This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves. She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right. It is Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set.”
“Everyone involved is super-excited, and [we] have been sworn to secrecy about her involvement,” they added.
The source also said, “Prince Harry is, of course, really supportive and quite simply wants Meghan to do whatever brings her joy.”
The film’s location plays a key role in Markle’s involvement
The fact that the film is set in Santa Barbara establishes a unique connection with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to the Santa Barbara enclave of Montecito in 2020, following their decision to step back from their royal roles in the UK. They live in the community with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Is there a release date for Close Personal Friends?
Close Personal Friends is in the production stage, and the makers have yet to announce a release date.
(Hero and featured image: Courtesy With Love, Meghan/ Photo by COURTESY OF NETFLIX – © 2024 Netflix, Inc./ IMDb)
This story first appeared here.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
