House Of Cards producers are considering killing off Kevin Spacey’s character
Netflix has announced the series will end with season 6, which had begun filming but has been stopped in light of the allegations
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Your support makes all the difference.In the wake of the allegations against Kevin Spacey, Netflix has cut all ties with the actor, announcing he will no longer be a part of House of Cards.
This leaves practical considerations both for the streaming service and Media Rights Capital (MRC), who produce the show, as to the series’ future, which, it has also been announced, will end with season 6.
Variety reports one scenario currently being discussed at MRC is the option to kill off Spacey’s character, Frank Underwood, and have the final season instead focus on his wife Claire, played by Robin Wright.
It is, perhaps, the only current solution that can see MRC continue to work on the show without Spacey’s involvement, allowing season 6 of the series to be completed without putting the show’s 300 cast and crew members out of work.
Filming had only just started, so the idea is that Spacey’s character can be safely written out without too many logistical hurdles. Several spin-offs for the show are also being considered, based around characters like Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly), Janine Skorsky (Constance Zimmer), and Tom Hammerschmidt (Boris McGiver).
The move would also fall in line with what many fans have discussed on social media; Jessica Chastain, even, tweeted, “Can #RobinWright just be the lead of @HouseofCards now? We’re ready for it.”
Producers are currently carefully examining Spacey’s contract to see if they can legally move forward with the plans, or whether they’re obligated to include him in the remaining episodes.
Production on the show was suspended Tuesday, after actor Anthony Rapp alleged Spacey made sexual advances towards him in 1986, when Rapp was 14. Spacey has said he doesn't remember the alleged encounter reported by BuzzFeed News last weekend, but apologised if such "drunken behaviour" occurred.
CNN later reported that eight current or former House of Cards workers claim that Spacey made the production a “toxic” workplace and one ex-employee alleges the actor sexually assaulted him.
A representative for Spacey has previously stated: “Kevin Spacey is taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment. No other information is available at this time.”
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