Oct. 20, 2023

The Future of Kevin Spacey

The Oscar-winning actor had been thriving in the movie industry, before sexual allegations were made against him. Now that all of these accusations are cleared, we find out Kevin Spacey’s future plans to possibly return back to the big screen. By: Dylan Low

Following a wave of sexual misconduct allegations made against him in 2017, Kevin Spacey found his career come to a crashing halt. The 64-year-old actor was highly sought after back then, with his name drawing box office attention and his performances praised by many of his critics. 

Widely known for his roles in Seven, American Beauty and Netflix’s hit series House of Cards, he rose to fame, winning two Oscars in his film career. His other accomplishments include a Tony, an Olivier, a Golden Globe and several Screen Actors’ Guild awards, etc. Spacey was even made an Honorary Commander and Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in both 2010 and 2015 respectively, in recognition of his film accomplishments. 

After the sexual misconduct claims, the projects he featured in went into disarray, with his film All the Money in the World being reshot with a new actor Christopher Plummer, who replaced him. He was also fired from House of Cards, with the show’s season six production being postponed.

In July this year, Spacey was acquitted of his multiple sexual assault charges after a four week trial. With the final verdict stating he was “non-guilty”, he was officially cleared of all allegations made against him.

Health scare in Uzbekistan

Following his legal victory, Spacey thought he was experiencing a heart attack when visiting Uzbekistan for a film festival.

He was staying in the city of Samarkand as he gave a speech at the Tashkent International Film Festival, where he suffered a numbness in his left arm for around eight seconds.

"As I was looking at the unique patterns of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum in Samarkand, my left arm failed. I was taken to a modern medical facility in the historic city," Spacey released in a statement on the festival's official website. "There I was quickly treated and fortunately, nothing serious happened."

Further details were provided, “Mr Spacey was taken to a medical centre over health concerns. He was treated professionally by doctors and staff and found to have no problem with his heart.”

The actor then returned to the festival, announcing to the audience that his health was “normal”.

Premiere of return film scrapped

Prince Charles Cinema made clear their refusal to showcase the premiere of Spacey’s first film since the allegations. They withdrew their rights to broadcast Control, a Welsh thriller featuring the controversial actor.

Cinema boss Greg Lynn wrote in an email stating, “We have an issue. It is with my apologies that I have to inform you that we have cancelled your hire with us.

“Last night it came to our attention that your film features Kevin Spacey, in particular his first film since the court case.

“My staff as well as I are horrified that we are being mentioned in the same breath as his new film for the premiere.”

Many viewers were critical of this decision, saying “The cancelling of a man proven innocent – purely because of prejudice – should lead to customers who believe in justice and fairness boycotting this cinema'. Another added: 'God this is ridiculous. Not that it matters, but Spacey doesn’t even appear in the film, we just hear his voice'.

Standing ovation on stage

Days after having his comeback film premiere rejected by the London theatre, Spacey found himself a more sincere audience. 

He was given a standing ovation at an Oxford theatre, when he performed a short scene by Shakespeare. The famous actor delivered a five minute showcase from Timon of Athens to wrap up the lecture, surprising the audience. This monologue marked his first performance since being cleared of the sexual allegations.

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