Kevin Spacey? Who needs him? Not House of Cards, it turns out, as Netflix announced it is carrying on with production of the series without its now disgraced, former star.
Spacey, who played President Frank Underwood on the hit show, was dropped from the series after numerous men came forward with allegations of sexual abuse and harassment including out gay actor Anthony Rapp. Rapp alleged Spacey tried to take advantage of him when he was just 14. Spacey then tried to deflect the issue by coming out as gay himself.
The series has tapped Diane Lane and Greg Kinnear to take over as co-stars of the drama, likely hoping the big names can distract from the absence of its lead.
Production resumed on Tuesday after a three-month hiatus, and Netflix announced the additions of Lane and Kinnear, who will play brother and sister, today. The show’s co-star, Robin Wright, who plays Claire Underwood, will also reportedly play a central role in this, the sixth and final season.
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It is expected to be released later this year, and will be eight episodes long, down from the usual 13, reports The New York Times.
While the show’s ratings have dipped in recent years, it is still considered one of Netflix’s flagship shows, earning it numerous award nominations and wins.
The retooling of the show will keep the company from having to pull the plug entirely, like it did with a planned original movie about Gore Vidal that was to star Spacey as the writer, and a Louis CK stand-up special. CK has also had his projects cancelled due to allegations of sexual misconduct.
The moves have cost Netflix $39 million that David Wells, its chief financial officer, said was related to the “the societal reset around sexual harassment.”
Stay tuned to find out how they navigate Frank Underwood’s sudden disappearance.
