House of Cardsstar Michael Kelly reveals that there were conversations about a Doug Stamper spinoff and explains why it was axed.House of Cards,one of Netflix’s earliest original successes, followed Frank Underwood’s (Kevin Spacey) rise to political power, withDoug (Kelly) serving as his fiercely loyal chief of staff. The show ran for six seasons from 2013 to 2018,ending with Doug killing Underwoodto preserve his legacy, only to meet the same tragic fate himself in the series finale.
In an interview withSiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show with Julia Cunningham,Kelly disclosed that he had conversations about a spinoff focusing on Doug. While he was disappointed by the cancelation, he acknowledged thatvarious factors, including his character’s death, likely influenced the decision.
“I had very real conversations with people about a spinoff that was actually fricking brilliant, and I would’ve loved to have done it before everything went away. It was a brilliant, brilliant idea for one, and it was just like, Oh my god,' and then it didn’t happen.”
The actor also elaborated on the premise for the scrapped Doug spinoff. This new project wasintended to delve deeper into Doug’s character and his challenges, offering a nuanced perspective on his journey and aiming to have dark themes mixed with comedic elements, paralleling the success of AMC’sBetter Call Saul.The concept revolved around Doug’s harrowing experiences in prison, highlighting his struggles and interactions with new characters.
“I would’ve loved it ‘cause it was a really very, very clever way to spin the show-off. They wanted to do it kind of like in aBetter Call Saulway where it had a little bit of comedic, a little bit funnier beats. It was gonna start with me trying to kill myself, I think, if I remember correctly, in prison and the pipe breaks. And he goes back to his cell to find a new cellmate, and he’s like, ‘Huh’ … it was really cool. It was a really great idea.”
What This Means forHouse of Cardsand Netflix’s Legacy
The Spacey Allegations Likely Hurt Its Chances
Any chances of aHouse of the Cardsspinoffwere likely scrapped following the Spacey allegations in 2017. This situation caused Netflix to cut ties with the actor, andseason 6 markedHouse of Cards’ endwithout any involvement from the controversial actor. This included Frank’s death happening off-screen. Therefore, it’s quite possible that early talks for a Doug spinoff were dismissed to remove any association with the show’s universe, especially since Doug was close to Frank in the main series.
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However, the cancelation of the Doug Stamper spinoff also reflects Netflix’s evolving priorities as the company distances itself from early hits.House of Cardswas instrumental in establishing Netflix as a significant player in the streaming market, but the current landscape is markedly different. With increased competition from platforms like Disney+ and Max, Netflix is pivoting towardnew projects that align with contemporary viewer interests and trends.
The absence of a Doug-focused spinoff suggests that even iconic characters may be left behind in favor of new, upcoming narratives that resonate with today’s viewers.
This decision underscores a shift away from the content that initially defined Netflix. As the company looks towards the future, it seems focused on innovative ideas that can capture a broader audience rather than relying on nostalgia from its earlier successes. The absence of a Doug-focused spinoff suggeststhat even iconic characters may be left behind in favor of new, upcoming narrativesthat resonate with today’s viewers.
Our Take on The Cancelation
Netflix Has To Evolve With Today’s Mainstream
While the cancellation of theHouse of Cardsspinoff is disappointing, it reflects broader trends within both the production and the streaming industry. As Netflix shifts its focus, it must prioritize new storytelling that resonates with today’s audiences. Although Doug had the potential for further exploration, the industry’s demands often dictate what projects come to fruition. Ultimately, the decision emphasizes the need for streaming platforms to evolve while navigating the complexities of audience engagement and changing market dynamics.
House of Cards
Cast
Based on the novel of the same name by Michael Dobbs, House of Cards follows unscrupulous politician Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) as he makes ruthless attempts to further his career. When he’s passed over for an appointment as Secretary of State, Underwood decides to get ahead by any means necessary. His talent for manipulation and pragmatism sees him climb the political ladder despite his total lack of moral fiber.
