Meghan Markle has quietly returned to a film set for the first time since stepping back from acting in 2018, appearing in a cameo role in the Amazon MGM comedy Close Personal Friends. The move has renewed speculation over whether the Duchess of Sussex is reconsidering her public professional trajectory after several business ventures in media and lifestyle branding faced mixed commercial outcomes.
Markle was seen on set in Pasadena, California, on Nov. 5, according to individuals familiar with the production. The cameo is described as small, informal and self-referential, with Markle appearing as herself alongside stars Lily Collins and Brie Larson. The production is being directed by Jason Orley from a script by Isaac Aptaker, and features additional cast including Jack Quaid and Henry Golding.
People involved in the film said Markle appeared relaxed and professional during the shoot and interacted comfortably with cast and crew. The cameo was arranged quietly and was designed to avoid the pressures associated with a lead role. Studio personnel emphasized limited public disclosure around the creative decision in order to preserve both narrative and personal privacy.
The appearance has drawn attention in part because Markle previously signaled she had left acting behind. In an October 2022 interview with Variety, when asked whether she would return to acting, she responded: "No. I'm done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not." That comment was widely interpreted as confirmation of a long-term shift toward producing, philanthropic projects and brand ventures.
Industry analysts note that cameo roles allow public figures to re-enter filmmaking without re-committing to full-time acting. They are short in duration, low-risk and typically shot in controlled, collaborative environments. For productions, such appearances offer recognizable star power without the logistical and financial commitments of full casting.
The film itself is positioned as a character-driven comedy anchored by Collins and Larson, with production split between London and Los Angeles. Principal photography began earlier in the autumn and is set to continue through November. Markle's participation was not initially listed in early casting documents, reflecting the project's effort to manage attention.
The cameo comes at a time when Markle and Prince Harry have recalibrated elements of their media strategy following uneven reception to certain projects, including documentary and podcast ventures. For Markle, the return to a film set may represent an exploratory step rather than a full re-entry into acting.
Representatives for Markle and Amazon MGM declined public comment on the shoot. Those familiar with the production described the decision to participate as measured and deliberate, adding that the cameo format aligned with Markle's current priorities, which include family life and selective creative involvement.
