A Netflix spokesman has confirmed that the next season of Netflix’s multiple award-winning flagship series, “House of Cards”, will be the last.
“House of Cards” is an American political thriller web television series created by Beau Willimon that first premiered in February 2013.
Set in 2010s Washington, D.C., “House of Cards” is the story of Congressman Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey), a Democrat from South Carolina’s 5th congressional district and House Majority Whip. After being passed over for appointment as Secretary of State, he initiates an elaborate plan to get himself into a position of greater power, aided by his wife, Claire Underwood (played by Robin Wright).
The series deals primarily with themes of ruthless pragmatism, manipulation, and power.
According to multiple media outlets, the decision to can the series came after allegations of unwanted sexual advances in 1986 by Kevin Spacey against then-14-year-old Anthony Rapp emerged. The “Star Trek Discovery” star claimed that Kevin Spacey “made a sexual advance” at a party 31 years ago.
At that time, both Kevin and Anthony were performing on Broadway, and Kevin had invited Anthony to a party at his New York home. Anthony revealed that he was in Kevin’s bedroom watching TV when Kevin, apparently drunk, entered the room after all the other guests had left.
Anthony told Buzzfeed, “He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. But I don’t, like, squirm away initially, because I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ And then he lays down on top of me. He was trying to seduce me. I don’t know if I would have used that language. But I was aware that he was trying to get with me sexually.”
Kevin later released a statement via his Twitter to say that he honestly did not remember the encounter. He also went on to confirm that he was gay.
Netflix and “House of Cards” producers Media Rights Capital issued a joint statement to say that they were “deeply troubled” the allegations against Kevin Spacey. “In response to last night’s revelations, executives from both of our companies arrived in Baltimore this afternoon to meet with our cast and crew to ensure that they continue to feel safe and supported,” it said.
In other news, Netflix has decided to go ahead with plans for a “House of Cards” spinoff. According to Variety, streaming service and producer Media Rights Capital are in very early stages of development on multiple ideas for a potential spinoff.
Sources: AFP, Deadline, Variety, Buzzfeed, Kevin Spacey / Featured image: Netflix.
