There is bittersweet news for House of Cards fans. The good news: Netflix’s flagship original series has been renewed for a fifth season. The bad news: creator Beau Willimon will not be part of it.
"Netflix and MRC owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Beau Willimon for his strong narrative vision for House of Cards over the show’s first four seasons," said Netflix and production house MRC in a joint statement. "As an Academy Award nominated writer, he made his first foray into television and built a riveting and critically acclaimed series, establishing his place in TV history. The producers, cast, and crew join us in wishing Beau the best in his next creative adventure."
The reason for Willimon’s departure remains unclear but he mentions “new endeavors” in a statement. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Willimon is writing an original play.
"I'm grateful to Netflix and MRC, my fellow executive producers, our two incandescent stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, our talented writers, as well as the incredible cast and crew with whom I've had the privilege to work," said Willimon in a statement. "After five years and four seasons, it's time for me to move on to new endeavors, but I'm supremely proud of what we've built together, wish the show much continued success, and leave it in the hands of a very capable team."
There is no news regarding which cast members will or will not return, but the renewal of the show suggests that lead character Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, will be a part of it. House of Cards is adapted from a BBC miniseries of the same name and in the original British version, Underwood’s character dies in the final season. Since the first season of Netflix’s adaptation, fans have been left wondering if the creative team will give Frank Underwood the same fate. To be clear, Underwood could still die in the end, but a fifth season means he will likely be around and the show is taking its own course.
The fourth season of House of Cards will be released on March 4.
