UPDATED November 3 11:14 p.m. ET: Netflix has released a statement in which they make it known that they have fired Kevin Spacey from the show House of Cards, Deadline reports. They have also canceled the upcoming Gore Vidal biopic that Spacey was set to star in.
The statement reads:
"Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey. We will continue to work with MRC during this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show. We have also decided we will not be moving forward with the release of the film Gore, which was in post-production, starring and produced by Kevin Spacey."
Read the original story below.
According to Variety, producers for Netflix mega-hit House of Cards are considering killing off main character Frank Underwood, which would make for an interesting final season if/when it's finally completed.
That proposed plot point is one of several avenues said producers are considering to get the series back on track following a number of fucked up accusations that have been leveled at the actor who plays Underwood, Kevin Spacey. Earlier this week a report came out that stated Spacey's "predatory" behavior turned the HoC set into a "toxic" work environment, which was based upon the testimony of eight employees who currently (or used to) work there.
Still, while production of the show has been indefinitely postponed, the worried producers are also aware of the fact that a 300-member cast and crew would be abruptly put out of work if the show was to simply cease with no finale.
Variety reports that producers are examining Spacey's contract to figure out whether they're legally bound to put him in season 6's episodes or not.
If you're a fan wondering what the show would then focus on after killing off Frank, insiders who spoke to Variety said that it would "concentrate on his equally manipulative wife Claire." It has also been reported that Netflix (in tandem with Media Rights Capital) is exploring potential spin-off ideas for shows based in the same fictional universe as House of Cards.
However, that idea was in play before the accusations against Spacey became headlines this past week.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, call 800.656.HOPE (4673) for confidential help 24/7.
