After an eight-year hiatus, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is making a return to acting. She was seen on the set of the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film, "Close Personal Friends," in Pasadena, California on November 5, 2025. This marks her first acting role since stepping away from her career to marry Prince Harry in 2018.

In "Close Personal Friends," Markle will be playing herself. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding. Directed by Jason Orley, the comedy revolves around a regular couple who find themselves befriending a famous couple during a trip to Santa Barbara. The movie explores modern relationships, the challenges of friendship, and the pressures of the public eye.

A source told People that Markle seemed "very relaxed and happy" on set. The source added, "She introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth". Another source told The Sun that this acting role "is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves". The source also said that she has been "swamped with offers but this one felt right".

Markle's last major role was as Rachel Zane in the legal drama "Suits," where she starred for seven seasons. She left the show in 2017 after getting engaged to Prince Harry. Since then, she has focused on philanthropic work and media ventures with Prince Harry under their Archewell Productions banner. Their projects include the Netflix docuseries "Live to Lead" and "Polo," as well as Markle's lifestyle show, "With Love, Meghan".

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Montecito, California, in 2020 after stepping back from their royal roles. They live there with their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.

News of Markle's return to acting has generated widespread attention. Some speculate that this marks a new chapter for the Duchess, as she returns to the creative sphere she left behind. A studio source told The Sun that this role is Markle's way of "gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set". The source added that "Everyone involved is super-excited and have been sworn to secrecy about her involvement".

"Close Personal Friends" began filming in London in September before moving to California. The film also stars Melissa Villaseñor, Natasia Demetriou, Anna Konkle, Patti Harrison, Jack Shalloo, and Dustin Demri-Burns.