Meghan Markle is making her return to the big screen in a new film role, but not everyone is rolling out the red carpet
Meghan Markle is making her way back to Hollywood, though not everyone is welcoming her with open arms.
Eight years after abandoning acting to become a working royal, the Duchess of Sussex is staging her comeback to the entertainment industry with a new film project. It’s quite the dramatic turn for the former Suits actress, who previously exchanged scripts for crowns before quickly abandoning palace duties in pursuit of California sunshine, independence, and celebrity status.
After relinquishing her working Royal duties alongside Prince Harry in 2020 – claiming they sought a “quiet life of privacy” – the couple has remained constantly in the public eye.
From lucrative Netflix contracts to explosive tell-all interviews and a lifestyle brand hawking £50 candles, Meghan has mastered the art of reinvention. Now, as she orchestrates her dramatic Hollywood comeback, she’s trading her Royal credentials for a director’s position, and the early reactions are decidedly polarized.
Celebrity chef Jameson Stocks, who has tracked every development in the Duchess’s post-royal journey, isn’t pulling any punches. He’s consistently maintained that Meghan should “stick to acting.”
However, even he acknowledges this recent career shift might represent her most audacious, or perhaps most puzzling move to date. In an unfiltered discussion, Stocks, who has prepared meals for King Charles, offers his unflinchingly candid assessment of Meghan’s Hollywood comeback, and it’s safe to say he’s not dishing out praise and spoke without reservation.
“I told her to stick to acting, but this? It’s no surprise,” he says. “Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me; my instincts were spot on. Months ago, I advised her to stick to acting, and now here we are. Her performances over the past few years have surely positioned her well for an Oscar.”
There’s a hint of sarcasm in his voice, and he’s swift to explain that the Duchess’s alleged ‘comeback’ might not be as victorious as it appears. “But did she genuinely step away? That’s the real question. She wasn’t an A-lister or a lead in blockbuster films that raked in millions. She had a small part role in a drama, and that’s it.”
While numerous observers are labeling Meghan’s return a Hollywood redemption tale, Stocks remains skeptical.
For him, this return to the silver screen isn’t about unfinished business in acting; it’s about remaining in the spotlight. “Let’s be honest and frank. She’s received far more opportunities than the average hardworking person ever will, and in my opinion, more than her talent truly merits. There’s a saying: throw everything at the wall and see what sticks.”
The expert added, “I imagine she’s had so many chances thrown her way that she’s accepted them without a clear, strategic plan. “I genuinely believe she overestimated her popularity and assumed people would eagerly jump on board with her brand. Even her paid media supporters, who used to challenge me, have gone quiet over the past few months.
“Netflix has also kept its distance. Similarly, her guests on the show have become noticeably reserved.”
Meghan Markle may be hoping for a Hollywood comeback, but Stocks suggests that the entertainment industry hasn’t forgotten her years of Royal drama, interviews, and divisive PR. “Many people are not wanting to even be photographed with her because of negative publicity, the proof will be in the numbers the movie does.”
Some critics argue Meghan has blurred the line between celebrity and royalty beyond repair. When asked whether returning to acting undermines her royal dignity, Stocks doesn’t hesitate. “I believe everyone harbours a touch of narcissism, and she has already proven her self-indulgence through the extensive paid media and orchestrated coverage of herself. Despite having an incredible opportunity with Netflix, she still managed to fail.”
When asked what advice he’d give the Duchess now, Stocks’s tone softens slightly – but his message remains firm. “I had some sympathy when they left the Royal Family; the narrative was confusing.
“Not only has she drastically altered the public perception of the Royal Family, but she has also capitalized on it, amassing wealth far beyond what she would have earned acting in a drama. She’ll never step away from the spotlight – I don’t think she could.”
He criticized her team, stating, “Those advising her on such matters must also take responsibility. Until her show, I had never seen anything so bad on Netflix – how is that possible? “How can somebody charge so much for ‘everyday’ things? She needs to get a grip and live on the same planet as everyone else.”
Whether Meghan’s Hollywood comeback will be a successful reinvention or a risk to her reputation is yet to be determined. However, Jameson Stocks is certain about one thing – the Duchess’s latest venture isn’t about showcasing her artistic talent. “It’s about attention,” he asserts. “And if there’s one thing Meghan Markle knows how to command – it’s that.”
