Meghan Markle was criticised by a PR expert for her decision to return to acting by playing herself. The Duchess of Sussex dominated headlines on Wednesday evening, hours before Prince William’s major speech at the Earthshot Prize Awards in Brazil, when it emerged that she is finally making a comeback to acting after she was spotted filming a new movie in Los Angeles.
Prince Harry’s wife was snapped filming Close Personal Friends at Amazon MGM Studios in Pasadena, in what is her first time back on set after eight years. The film features a star-studded cast, including Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid — son of Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid — and Brit Henry Golding.
According to sources, the Duchess will have only a small cameo in the film, which is about two couples—one famous and one not—who meet in Santa Barbara and become fast friends.
Now, a PR expert has criticised the Duchess and her team for blowing the news out of proportion, particularly on a day of such significance due to William’s appearance in Brazil.
She also criticised her for opting to play herself, thus potentially missing a future career comeback.
Renae Smith, founder of The Atticism, told the Express: “I think calling this a ‘return to acting’ is generous. Playing yourself isn’t exactly a career comeback.
“I wouldn’t call it acting any more than I’d call another Oprah interview acting, it’s still just Meghan being Meghan, but this time with better lighting and perhaps a better storyline.
“From a PR standpoint, it feels more like a headline grab than a professional reinvention.”
Ms Smith added: “Strategically, it’s confusing too. She’s spent the past couple of years trying to reposition herself as a businesswoman and philanthropist, then as an influencer/lifestyle brand – but definitely not a performer.
“So this move muddies the narrative: is she building a brand, or chasing relevance? My guess is she’s going for ‘anything that will get attention’.”
Meghan’s latest offering in Hollywood is directed by Jason Orley, who has also written the script alongside Isaac Aptaker.
The Duchess of Sussex has been contacted for comment.
