Netflix is pulling the plug on its flagship original series "House of Cards," announcing on Tuesday that its upcoming sixth season will be the show's final one. However, the streaming service giant may have already found a fix to keep the franchise going.
Variety reports that Netflix and producer Media Rights Capital are developing a potential "House of Cards" spinoff. They are reportedly coming up with multiple versions focusing on other characters from the series, although they are still in "very early stages."
One potential idea, per the publication, is a follow-up series about Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly), Francis Underwood's (Kevin Spacey) right-hand man. Eric Roth, who produced the first four seasons of "House of Cards," is set to write should the concept materialize.
There are other two ideas being explored as well, but details are scarce at the moment.
News of the spin-offs came a day after Netflix officially cancelled the series, an announcement which followed the sexual misconduct allegations against Spacey. In a statement, the company admitted they are "deeply troubled" by the controversy. However, it stressed that the decision to ax the show came months before the scandal broke.
On Wednesday, Netflix and MRC suspended the production of "House of Cards" season 6 indefinitely "to give us time to review the current situation and to address any concerns of our cast and crew."
"Star Trek" actor Anthony Rapp told Buzzfeed that Spacey made sexual advances towards him in 1986. Rapp was 14 then, while Spacey was 26 at that time.
Spacey responded to the allegations saying he has no recollection of the incident but apologized if he did behave then as described. In the same statement, he also acknowledged rumors of his sexuality, formally coming out as a "gay man."
This drew criticisms among celebrities like Billy Eichner and Zachary Quinto, as well as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), whose president slammed Spacey for trying to divert the attention from the main issue. The International Emmy Awards also announced that it will no longer honor the actor at the 2017 International Emmys.
