Michael Zaiko Hall says Kevin Spacey “deserves” comeback
The director of the first Kevin Spacey movie released in the United States since his trial came to a conclusion has said that the actor deserves a comeback. Michael Zaiko Hall has cast the House of Cards actor in Peter Five Eight.
In fact, Hall had hired Spacey before his trial of sexual abuse and misconduct had even begun. “There was no hesitation to cast him,” Hall told The Messenger. “The thinking was that he’s simply the best for the role in the whole world. No one can do it better.”
“In terms of accusations, I felt that was the domain of the criminal justice system,” the director added. “I don’t think it’s on filmmakers to read innuendo online and act as judge and jury. My responsibility is with the film, casting the best guy. The courts are where accusations are put under scrutiny, and Kevin has won his trials.”
Spacey was found not liable in a civil sexual misconduct case and was later acquitted in a UK court case in which he was accused of sexually assaulting three men between 2005 and 2013.
“There was a lot riding on it,” Hall noted of the UK trial. “The stock price of the film certainly went up. The movie would be in a tough spot if he lost. He won his trials; I’d say the fair thing is he can come back”.
The director continued, “When people see this film, they will see that iconic Spacey persona on screen again. A persona that is part of the culture; it’s not going away.”
Peter Five Eight will see Spacey play a hitman who arrives in a small town to look for a mysterious real estate agent with a dark past.
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