Cody Fern Recalls Filming ‘House Of Cards’ When The Kevin Spacey “Nuclear Bomb Hit”

Cody Fern has reflected on his experience filming the final season of Netflix's House of Cards, particularly in light of the significant turmoil that arose following the firing of Kevin Spacey. During discussions about his feature directorial debut, Closing Night, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Fern recounted his role as "the main villain" in the sixth season. He described his character as a "Jared Kushner type" villain, indicating a specific archetype that was intended for the storyline. Fern characterized the situation surrounding the production as a "nuclear bomb hit," highlighting the dramatic impact of the events that unfolded during filming. The turmoil stemmed from allegations against Kevin Spacey, which led to his dismissal from the series. This incident not only affected Spacey but also had a profound effect on the trajectory of House of Cards, forcing the cast and crew to navigate significant changes and adjustments during the final season. The challenges faced by the cast and crew during this tumultuous period were substantial, as they had to adapt to the fallout from the scandal involving Spacey. Fern's role as a villain was part of a storyline that ultimately underwent alterations due to these unforeseen circumstances, illustrating the broader implications of the scandal on the show's production and narrative direction.