Kevin Spacey Makes TV Comeback Since ‘House of Cards’ Era
Kevin Spacey is making his television comeback with a new role in the Italian comedy series “Minimarket.” This marks his return to the small screen since his departure from Netflix’s “House of Cards” in 2017, following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Spacey’s Role in “Minimarket”
In “Minimarket,” an Italian production for the state broadcaster RAI, Spacey plays a fictionalized version of himself. He serves as a mentor to a young man working in a convenience store in Rome. This young man’s aspiration is to become a television star.
Promotional material shows Spacey performing well-known songs such as Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and Frank Sinatra’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” alongside Italian actor Filippo Laganà. Laganà portrays Manlio Viganò, the aspiring star, and the twoshare a dynamic characterized by “bickering, misunderstandings, and mutual teasing.”
Show Details
- Episode Count: 10 episodes
- Streaming Service: RaiPlay
- Launch Date: December 26
The series aims to explore the complexities of being an experienced actor alongside the naiveté of a newcomer, with Spacey’s character as Viganò’s “artistic conscience and unpredictable mentor.”
Recent Developments in Spacey’s Career
Kevin Spacey has been trying to revive his career following his acquittal of sexual assault charges in a U.K. criminal trial in 2023. However, he currently faces three additional civil claims in London. Spacey has denied two of these claims but has not yet filed a defense for the third.
Personal Struggles
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Spacey disclosed that he is currently homeless, living in hotels and Airbnbs. He characterized the financial toll of the last several years as “astronomical,” noting his dwindling income and rising expenses.
Previous Projects in Italy
Spacey’s relationship with Italian cinema has been ongoing. In 2021, he featured in the indie drama “L’uomo Che Disegnò Dio,” directed by Franco Nero. He also played a character named “The Devil” in Massimo Paolucci’s psychological thriller “The Contract.”
Last year, Spacey returned to U.S. screens in the indie thriller “Peter Five Eight,” which received mixed reviews and marked his first leading role post-trial. He is also involved in a forthcoming British indie action-thriller titled “The Awakening” and has directed a supernatural action-thriller called “Holiguards.”
