Robin Wright fought to save 'House of Cards' after Kevin Spacey sexual assault scandal
Netflix's 'House of Cards' was forced to ax actor Kevin Spacey — who portrayed lead Frank Underwood — from the show following allegations from over 15 men that he had sexually assaulted them over the years this past October. The firing meant that the fate of the drama was now unsure, with producers reportedly planning to scrap it altogether. But the actions of Robin Wright, whose character Claire Underwood is Frank's wife and right-hand man, quite possibly saved it.
"Robin led all of this charge so that people would save their livelihoods because when the show goes away, some people don’t get paid," testified fellow co-star Patricia Clarkson on CBS' 'The Talk,' according to Deadline. Clarkson had joined the show in season 5 as Jane Davis, the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade who is very well connected, and also had further words of praise for the showrunners.
"We have beautiful showrunners, Frank [Pugliese] and Melissa [Gibson], and they killed themselves to rethink the whole show," she said of their efforts to forge a new identity for the show. The actress also commented on the reduction of the season from 13 episodes to eight, saying: "It’s only eight episodes. … I think it’s going to be stunning, stunning new season and I’m thankful for it."
It seems as though 'House of Cards' is embracing its new direction with Wright as their new lead. A Tweet posted on Independence Day saw Claire delivering a soundbite with a clear-cut message — that season 6 will be all about her. "Happy Independence Day," she says, before fiercely adding "To Me," as the brief 12-second teaser-trailer cuts off.
Netflix has announced that the sixth season of the show will be its final one and Ted Sarandos, Netflix's Chief Content Officer, had reassured fans that it would bring closure. It will probably remain unknown whether the producers intended to continue with Wright as Commander-in-Chief or whether there were plans to reinstate Spacey in the top position for the upcoming season, with their hand forced to go in this current direction after the latter's predatory behavior came to light.
However, as Wright's leadership behind the scenes come to light, it only seems apt that her character will now lead on the screen as well. The eight-episode sixth season of 'House of Cards' started production in early 2018, with it scheduled to air on Netflix sometime later this year.