Everything you need to know about Meghan Markle’s new movie “Close Friends”

After eight years of absence from acting, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is preparing to return to Hollywood again, through her appearance in the movie “Close Friends,” one of the most anticipated cinematic works of the season.

The film, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, combines romance and comedy in a story that takes place in California, and stars an elite group of A-list stars, while Meghan Markle plays a special role in which she appears with her true personality, in what one source described as a “huge moment” in her career, and “a return to what she really loves to do.”

The story of the film: complex friendships and funny situations:

The film’s events revolve around a relationship between two married couples. A friendship develops between them during a vacation in California, but it soon turns into embarrassing and comedic situations, after personal and emotional lines intersect between the friends. The plot deals with the story of an ordinary couple who meets a celebrity couple during a vacation in Santa Barbara. To begin a series of funny situations and unexpected surprises that reveal the human side of life under the spotlight.

The work team… brilliant names in front of and behind the camera:

The film is directed by Jason Orley, director of “I Want You Back,” and the screenplay is co-written by Isaac Aptaker, one of the writers of the “How I Met Your Father” series. As for the tournament, it includes four of the most prominent stars of their generation: Lily Collins, the heroine of “Emily in Paris,” Brie Larson, who won the Oscar for the movie “Room,” Henry Golding, the star of “Crazy Rich Asians,” and Jack Quaid, from “The Hunger Games.”

Meghan Markle’s return to acting… between passion and caution:

It seems that Meghan Markle’s return to acting came after a long thought, as she had received many offers over the past years, but she chose this project. Because it seemed appropriate in timing and content. This is her first participation in eight years, and it is a light experiment to measure the extent of her desire to return to artistic work. It is clear that everyone working on the film is very excited, and they were warned not to reveal any details about her participation.

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Meghan will appear in the film with her true personality, in a small but influential role, giving the audience a new insight into her personality outside the royal framework, with which she has been associated in recent years.

Filming location…and work atmosphere:

Filming for the film began in Pasadena, California, during the second half of 2025, in an atmosphere described by the work team as “full of positive energy and true cooperation.” The film is expected to have elegant visual touches that reflect the character of coastal California, with a directorial style that blends sophisticated comedy with realistic romance.

Release date:

The film’s official release date has not yet been announced, but reports confirm that filming will conclude in November 2025, which makes it likely to be released during the first half of 2026, on the Amazon Prime Video platform.

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From “Suits” to Hollywood again:

This cinematic participation is Meghan Markle’s first acting appearance since her departure from the famous series “Suits” in 2017, and before her marriage to Prince Harry the following year. Although she has been busy since then with humanitarian work and documentary production through her media company, her return indicates her desire to restore her balance between art and public work, and perhaps open a new chapter in her professional career, away from the royal palace.

Global attention…and the return of Hollywood glamor:

It is not surprising that the film has caused widespread uproar since its announcement, as the combination of light romantic drama and the return of one of the most famous royal figures in the world to the limelight makes it a cinematic event par excellence. The British and American press expect the film to enjoy great public success, especially with the participation of Megan, who continues to attract public attention wherever she appears.

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