Meghan Markle was shortlisted as the next Bond girl in 'Bond 25'

Image Courtesy: IANS

London: Looks like Meghan Markle was just one short step away from becoming an iconic figure in Hollywood.According to the Mirror, the 36-year-old star was said to be shortlisted as Daniel Craig's next Bond girl but her blossoming romance with Prince Harry ruled her out of the line-up.

A source said, "The role more recently has gone to actresses deemed to be rising stars, and Meghan certainly was seen as that before her relationship with Harry became public."Also on the shortlist was 'Baywatch' star Ilfenesh Hadera, 32, who they thought could become one of Daniel Craig's love interests in the upcoming 007 film 'Bond 25,' which will be released in 2019.According to a leading US newspaper, the producers were thinking of casting a rising star and Meghan was seen as that before her relationship with Harry became public.

Harry's fiancee would have joined the likes of Bond girls Eva Green, Lea Seydoux and Gemma Arterton.Markle starred on 'Suits' as Rachel Zane for seven seasons. Her other credits included Anti-Social, Horrible Bosses and Remember Me.The next Bond movie doesn't have a release date, but it is expected to be Daniel Craig's last as 007.