It looks like Meghan Markle is ready for her next big act — and it’s taking her right back to where it all began: Hollywood.
The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly stepping in front of the camera once again, and her latest move has royal watchers buzzing.
Some even say it mirrors the career paths of both Sarah Ferguson and, surprisingly, Kim Kardashian.
Meghan Steps Back Into the Spotlight
The 44-year-old Duchess is said to be starring as herself in a new film titled Close Personal Friends, alongside Lily Collins, Brie Larson, and Jack Quaid.
The movie follows two couples — one famous and one not — exploring the complexities of friendship in the world of fame.
“This is a huge moment for Meghan,” a source told The Sun. “It marks her return to doing what she truly loves. She’s had so many offers, but this one just felt right.”
The insider also shared that Prince Harry is “fully supportive” of his wife’s Hollywood comeback, encouraging her to “do whatever makes her happy.”
Fans will remember Meghan for her breakout role as Rachel Zane on Suits, as well as appearances in Horrible Bosses, Get Him to the Greek, and Remember Me.
But this time, she’s bringing her real-life persona to the screen — and that’s what’s raising eyebrows among royal commentators.
Royal Expert Says Meghan Is Following “Fergie’s Playbook”
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield believes Meghan’s latest career move closely resembles the path once taken by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.
“Meghan’s return to Hollywood reflects her inability to deviate from Sarah Ferguson’s post-royal playbook,” Schofield said.
According to Schofield, both women share strikingly similar trajectories since stepping away from royal duties.
“They’ve each written children’s books, hosted podcasts, appeared on lifestyle and reality TV, and collaborated with Oprah Winfrey,” she explained.
Schofield also pointed out the uncanny parallel between Ferguson’s cameo as herself in Friends and Meghan’s decision to play herself in Close Personal Friends.
“Fergie produced Hollywood films, Meghan is producing Meet Me at the Lake. It’s almost identical,” she added.
Meghan and Fergie’s Post-Royal Careers Have Surprising Similarities
Sarah Ferguson’s life after royalty has been a colorful one.
She’s authored a string of children’s books — including Budgie the Little Helicopter, which even became a TV series — and launched a podcast, Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah, in 2023.
She’s also appeared as a TV correspondent and media personality.
Meghan, meanwhile, has built her own post-royal empire through her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, her luxury food and home brand As Ever, and her two podcasts, Archetypes and Confessions of a Female Founder.
She also published a children’s book, The Bench, in 2021.
Schofield, however, suggested that Meghan’s ventures lean more toward self-promotion than service.
“When Harry and Meghan stepped back, they promised a life of service,” she said, “but like Fergie, much of it reads as self-service.”
Echoes of Kim Kardashian’s Early Career
Interestingly, Schofield also noted that Meghan’s decision to play herself reminds her of another pop culture powerhouse — Kim Kardashian.
“Kim started out appearing as herself before transitioning into more serious acting roles,” the expert said.
Whether Meghan’s move will be seen as savvy or self-indulgent, Schofield believes it all depends on the tone of the movie.
“If she’s willing to be self-deprecating, this could be a big win for her,” she explained.
“But if she insists on taking herself too seriously or overemphasizes her Duchess title, she risks backlash.”
PR Expert Says Meghan’s Return Marks a “Professional Reset”
Public relations expert Sarah Schmidt sees Meghan’s Hollywood comeback in a more positive light.
“This is another professional reset for her,” Schmidt said.
“By playing herself, she’s reminding the world who she was before the royal spotlight — on her own terms.”
According to Schmidt, this is a strategic and low-pressure way for Meghan to ease back into acting. “It allows her to be authentic without the pressure of carrying a full dramatic role.
If the reception is warm, she’ll have room to decide what comes next,” she explained.
Schmidt added that Meghan’s return shows she’s “ready to put herself out there again” — but how audiences respond will determine which direction her career takes next.
Oprah’s Seal of Approval Adds to Meghan’s Big Week
Coincidentally, news of Meghan’s new movie dropped on the same day Oprah Winfrey featured her As Ever fruit spreads in the 2025 edition of her Favorite Things holiday list.
The guide, which has been running since 1996, highlighted Meghan’s $42 “Signature Fruit Spread” gift set, which includes orange marmalade, raspberry, and strawberry preserves.
“Before my neighbor Meghan started her business, she shared her homemade recipes with us,” Oprah wrote.
“I love to drizzle it on an English muffin or yogurt. It’s the perfect hostess gift.”
As Ever celebrated the shoutout with an email to customers, writing, “We’re honored to be included in the season’s quintessential guide to gifting,” and offered a 10% discount code to mark the occasion.
A Return to the Spotlight — On Her Own Terms
Between a Hollywood comeback, Oprah’s endorsement, and her expanding lifestyle brand, Meghan Markle is clearly stepping into a new chapter — one that blends her royal past with her Hollywood roots.
Whether she’s following in Fergie’s footsteps or paving her own way, one thing’s for sure: Meghan is once again reminding the world she’s more than just a Duchess — she’s a woman determined to reclaim her story, one project at a time.