‘House of Cards’ spin-offs are in the works after the show was axed amid an allegation of sexual assault made against Kevin Spacey.
Netflix confirmed the programme’s sixth season will be its last after leading actor Kevin – who plays congressman Frank Underwood – was accused by actor Anthony Rapp of making a sexual advance towards him when he was just 14 years old in 1986.
According to Variety, the streaming service and producer Media Rights Capital are in early discussions about potential spin-off series, including one which would revolve around Michael Kelly’s alter-ego, political aide Doug Stamper, which Eric Roth could write.
Another two ideas are said to have been mooted but writers have not been attached to the potential projects.
Netflix confirmed on Monday night (30.10.17) the show’s final 13 episodes will air in 2018.
They said in a statement: "Media Rights Capital and Netflix are deeply troubled by last night’s news concerning 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. As previously scheduled, Kevin Spacey is not working on set at this time."
It comes after Anthony, now 46, alleged Kevin had tried to "get with me sexually" in 1986 when the 58-year-old actor was 26, but the ‘American Beauty’ star said he was "beyond horrified" to hear the claims, insisted he couldn’t remember the "encounter", and came out as gay.
He said in a statement: "I have a lot of respect and admiration for Anthony Rapp as an actor. I’m beyond horrified to hear his story. I honestly do not remember the encounter, it would have been over 30 years ago. But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he described having carried with him all these years.
"This story has encouraged me to address other things in my life. I know that there are stories out there about me and that some have been fueled by the fact that I have been so protective of my privacy. As those closest to me know, in my life I have had relationships with both men and women. I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man. I want to deal with this honestly and openly and that starts with examining my own behavior. (sic)"
Anthony alleges Kevin picked him up, and lay on top of him while he was attending a party at the Hollywood star’s home.
He said: "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."
House of Cards spin-offs ‘in the works’
