Disgraced two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey’s comeback with Welch thriller “Control” has hit a snag. The film was set to premiere at the Prince Charles Cinema, in the center of London’s film district. But the theater has now canceled the event once they got wind of the actor’s involvement with the movie. The controversy stems from continued accusations of sexual assault committed by Spacey.
In “Control,” Spacey plays an unseen character, who is only heard through phone calls with the main character, played by Lauren Metcalfe. His involvement was still enough to have the Prince Charles Cinema bow out of hosting the film’s debut.
We’d also like to point out that Spacey’s name is prominent on the theatrical posters and trailer. So we aren’t entirely sure if his presence was downplayed when “Control” was presented to the theater. Or if this was some kind of serious oversight on Prince Charles Cinema’s part. Since most of the marketing materials look like they have been around for a few months, either seems possible.
According to The Daily Mail, the cinema boss Greg Lynn, wrote an email saying:
“We have an issue. It is with my apologies that I have to inform you that we have cancelled your hire with us. Last night it came to our attention that your film features Kevin Spacey, in particular his first film since the court case.”
“My staff as well as I are horrified that we are being mentioned in the same breath as his new film for the premiere,” Lynn added.
“He (Spacey) has been proven to be innocent and who are they to say otherwise? Kevin Spacey has done nothing wrong,” Metcalfe told the Sunday Telegraph.
After the cancellation, the director of “Control,” Gene Fallaize took to Instagram to announce the venue change.
Controversy and accusations have followed Spacey for several years. True, he was acquitted of the most recent charges, but has settled more than one sexual assault suit. He was dropped by his agency during the highly publicized 2022 trial over accusations that Spacey molested a then 14-year old Anthony Rapp. (A jury found that Spacey innocent.) Rapp has not refuted his claims.
