Frank’s political ambitions are set to continue for another stretch. Netflix has officially renewed House of Cards for a fifth season, the streaming giant has announced last week. It also released a new glimpse into the show’s upcoming fourth run.
As reported by Deadline, House of Cards was granted a fifth season pickup ahead of the show’s new season debut. However, the good news which came from the renewal was also presented with a huge loss.
Series creator Beau Willimon, who had been with the show since the pilot, will be stepping down as showrunner and executive producer as the political drama moves forward.
Per Variety, Netflix and MRC released a statement in light of Willimon’s departure from the show. They said:
“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.”
Willimon, for his part, said that he’s decided that it’s time to move forward after working with Frank Underwood for five years.
“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”.
It’s yet to be determined who will replace Willimon as showrunner on Cards’ fifth run.
In other developments, Netflix unspooled a new teaser last week where a familiar face makes a return in the opening scene.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) is seen ominously digging on what looks like a grave before a twist showed that Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood is actually beside him – who later smiles before his campaign supporters.
The Hollywood site speculates that the clip is possibly hinting that the person in the grave could be Rachel, whom Stamper killed last season.
House of Cards season 5 is slated to premiere in 2017. The upcoming fourth season will debut March 4th on Netflix.
