Kevin Spacey, the two-time Oscar winner, may be making a return to the big screen sooner than expected. The U.K. indie thriller, “Control,” in which Spacey had a voice role, is aiming for a theatrical release before the end of the year, according to its sales agent, TriCoast Worldwide.
“We would like to have the film in cinemas in December,” said Strath Hamilton, co-CEO of TriCoast Worldwide. He added that they are currently in serious discussions with buyers in the U.S. and U.K. for distribution.
“Control,” written and directed by Gene Fallaize, follows the story of the British home secretary, played by Lauren Metcalfe, who is engaged in a secret love affair with the prime minister, portrayed by Mark Hampton. Meanwhile, Spacey’s character knows her secret and seeks revenge by remotely hijacking her self-driving car, turning it into a deadly weapon on the streets of London.
Despite the initial concerns surrounding Spacey’s legal issues, Hamilton revealed that the film had attracted positive interest from buyers in territories where social media and cultural controversies are not at the forefront. Prior to the trial, the film had already been sold to Germany, the Middle East, Latin America, CIS, and Korea, without disclosing the distributors. Hamilton stated that TriCoast had prepared for the possibility of Spacey being cleared of all charges and had a number of potential buyers lined up in the U.S. and U.K.
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Although they are currently seeking the best domestic partner for the film, Hamilton mentioned that TriCoast Entertainment, their distribution arm, is prepared to release the film themselves if necessary. He praised “Control” as a great movie with a strong script and exceptional performance by Spacey.
Supporting “Control” is part of an obligation that Hamilton feels the industry should have in supporting artists who have been accused and cancelled via social media. He believes that taking a stand in this way demonstrates his support for these artists and their right to continue their careers.
Speaking shortly after the not-guilty verdict was announced in London’s Southwark Crown Court, director Gene Fallaize admitted that hiring Spacey for the film wasn’t an easy decision. However, he stood by his choice and believed that it had proven itself following the trial result.
Despite being cleared of all charges, Kevin Spacey’s future in the industry remains uncertain. It is unclear whether he will be able to return to the heights of his career before the allegations first emerged in 2017. “Control” is one of the few projects he has been cast in since then. He also has the comedy thriller “Peter Five Eight,” which has been picked up for multiple territories by SPI International. The film is set to be released in the U.S. in August.
As Spacey awaits his return to the big screen, “Control” serves as a test of the audience’s willingness to separate the artist from their personal life. It remains to be seen if moviegoers will be able to embrace his talent once again or if the controversy surrounding him will continue to overshadow his work.
