Author: Brian Porreca

March 05, 2016 9:00am PT by Brian Porreca

 Courtesy of Netflix

“My initial reaction was to be stunned and then it hurt really badly,” Michael Kelly says of the creator’s departure. “He’s probably the most brilliant writer I’ve had the fortune of working with.”

[Warning: This story contains spoilers from House of Cards’ fourth season.]

House of Cards is back, and so is Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly). 

In the fourth season of the Netflix political drama, Frank Underwood’s longtime right-hand man had a lot on his plate. In addition to Frank’s presidential duties back in D.C., the new season opened in the midst of a demanding campaign and in the midst of major marital turmoil for Frank (Kevin Spacey) and Claire (Robin Wright). Even complicating things further? The addition of Claire’s “Lady Stamper,” played by new series regular Neve Campbell.

On the day of the fourth season premiere, Kelly spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about creator and showrunner Beau Willimon’s exit, his toughest season four scene and the uncanny parallels between the current election and the fictional political realm of House of Cards.

When you first heard the news that this season was Beau Willimon’s last, what was your reaction?

I was stunned, that was my initial reaction. I was at a dinner and it was an important dinner and I put away my phone so when I came out of dinner I’ve never in my life seen so many texts and email notifications. (Laughs.) Like strolling through pages. I was like, “What? Wait, what?” Then I got home and I immediately called Beau because he’s someone who I’ve grown to know and love as a friend as well over the years. And I was just stunned. I was like, “I don’t understand.” Obviously not everyone can talk about everything and exactly what happened. I might not ever know exactly what happened. My initial reaction was to be stunned and then it hurt really badly. He’s probably the most brilliant writer I’ve had the fortune of working with. On top of that four years in we’ve become friends and it was heartbreaking to know that that guy I hung out with for six months of the year every day I wasn’t going to be hanging out with anymore nor have the benefit of his brilliance. It was stunning and painful. But these things happen. I understand the business aspect of it certainly, it’s just part of the business.

You’ve worked with now new showrunners Frank Pugliese and Melissa James Gibson, so how do you think they’ll either change the direction of the show or keep to Beau’s tone?

I can’t imagine them changing the show. They’ve been part of the show for a while now so they’re part of the voice to his House of Cards. While I was stunned and upset to learn about Beau, I was equally relieved to hear they’d be taking over the duties. They’re two brilliant writers and super sweet people. I was glad they didn’t do an overhaul and bring a showrunner from another successful show or unsuccessful show. (Laughs.) I have faith that they’ll keep the show the way it is. It’s really important to not only the fans, but to those involved in the show and under contract for as many years as they have us for. 

Before you got the script for season four, where did you hope Stamper would go this season?

We tried to make the arc for Stamper last year not just about his physical recovery because that would be really boring, but to make it about him getting back to where he believes he belongs. In Doug’s mind, he has to be there. ‘I have to be the Chief of Staff, I have to be by Frank’s side.’ So my hopes going into season four was that we would get back to our Machiavellian way so to speak, to twirling our mustaches and getting shit done. 

Where you satisfied with his arc this season?

I knew before we even started season four, Beau said to me, “It’s not going to be like it was last year for you.” And I said, “I completely understand it would be kind of a weird story arc if we did.” He said, “There’s a lot of new characters and there’s a lot to explore. Honestly, you’re going to be doing a lot of opening doors and saying, ‘Such and such is here to see you’ kind of thing.” And I’m like, “I’m fine, I’m so happy to be a part of this.”

Luckily, he didn’t kill you off…

And I’m still alive! (Laughs.) So I get to see what happens in season five. That’s kind of the best part. 

Do you know anything about what’s coming up in season five for Stamper?

I’ve lied in the past about knowing things and not knowing things because I had to for season three, but I can honestly say I have zero idea of what’s happening for next year. I already emailed Frank and Melissa a congratulations and that I’m very excited and we chatted back and forth on email a couple of times. I can’t wait to go visit in the writer’s room. I always get to go see those guys when they open the writer’s room and they’ll usually toss me a couple of bones so I might know some things in a couple of weeks. 

This season, Stamper offered to give his liver for Frank, but was turned down. He then manipulated the situation to make sure Frank got a new liver. Before that, Meechum (Nathan Darrow) died for Frank. Had Stamper been there, would he have taken the bullet for him?

Without a doubt. I think Stamper would like to think he would have taken the gunman down before he had a chance to fire the bullet. (Laughs.) That’s Stamper. He would do anything for him as was proven with Rachel and what he did with the donor. When I first read the script I was like, “Oh Jesus, God.” I get it because I do understand Doug, but then to take it a step further with the wife. … I understood what he did to Rachel and it’s crazy, but I understand it. At the same time I understand that we all should be equal people, but Doug doesn’t understand it.

Him manipulating the liver transplant wouldn’t happen in real life would it?

Beau and Jay Carson, our political consultant, researches everything. My brother-in-law this morning was like, “Dude, how did Lucas get out of prison? That’s a little bit of a stretch for me.” And I was like, “But, it’s not. It was researched and that’s exactly what can happen.” And the way that people find out or do not find out can also happen just like it said in the show. My guess is that he probably did research and that’s exactly what would happen if someone could manipulate behind the scenes like that. 

Sebastian Arcelus told me he didn’t know Lucas was going to die and you kind of chuckled to him…

(Laughs.) If I’m remembering correctly, I think I found out before he knew he was coming back and I think it kind of slipped a little bit. And I was like, “Do you know what happens though?” He was like, “What happens, dude?” I was like, “Uhh, I don’t know. You’ll find out…” (Laughs.) There was a definite chuckle in the conversation. 

Fans are calling Leann Harvey (Neve Campbell) a female Stamper. Do you think she’s on Doug’s level?

It’s funny because I met Neve right before we started filming  and when she was hired, I sent her a message. I said, “Hey man, congrats. welcome to the team. I’m so glad you’re here.” And we hung out a few times and we did our first scene together and then we had our stand-off scene together with Frank and Claire and I think it was right around that time where I sat down and said, “Lady Stamper.” That’s Michael Kelly calling her Lady Stamper. I don’t think Doug Stamper thinks of her as that. But, God she’s great. What a fantastic addition. 

It seems like her character has been on the show the whole time…

She’s something else. Being new on the show, I’d be scared to death too. Just like I was in the beginning of season three, I had been on the show for two years and I was like, “You want me to what?” It’s a scary show to work on! (Laughs). I give her so much props. 

What was the hardest scene for you to film this season?

Maybe that scene with Seth where I put the glass on his mouth. That was difficult. He’s a good friend of mine too and was like, “I don’t understand it, this isn’t right.” We probably worked on that scene more than any other scene. He would come over to the apartment and we’d work on it, we’d talk about it, we’d get on the phone and work on it because we had to play that change from the kitchen to the eventual mounting him in the living room. (Laughs.) It was tough. 

This season debuted amidst one of the most controversial elections this country has ever had. Do you think there are parallels to the show and the election?

Definitely. (Laughs). It’s funny because we’re not a tear-from-the-headlines show, but it always ends up and keep in mind, Beau is writing this with these writers a year ahead of the time you see it. Yet inevitably Beau always sees something that’s going to happen in the future and I’ll be damned this year if it didn’t parallel not just the primaries, but actual events that have happened. Look at the KKK thing, isn’t that crazy? Of all the things we filmed I was like, “Well this one won’t happen.” (Laughs.) And then low and behold, it does. And I got to admit these real life primaries are actually making us look not so outlandish. Every year I go to the Correspondents’ Dinner or when I go and work on issues like I’m doing now with the Older Americans Act and I’m actually going and lobbying members of Congress to help reauthorize this bill, these young staffers are coming up to me and saying to me, “I know a guy just like you.”

Maybe not involvement in any murders, but do you think down the line something can be uncovered about one of these candidates like Hammerschmidt (Boris McGiver) did when he publishes the story on Frank?

Thursday night, Donald Trump was explosive quite a bit. People always ask me, “How would Doug Stamper take down Donald Trump?” and that’s when I think he would do it quicker than what’s happening. I think they’re waiting and they have plenty on Donald Trump and if he ends up miraculously getting the nomination, I’m pretty certain that they will take him down, and take him down pretty easily.

What was your favorite Stamper moment this season? Do you think a Donald Trump take down is in the near future? Where do you want to see Stamper in season five? Banter back and forth in the comments below and stay tuned to The Live Feed for all things House of Cards. 

House of Cards

March 04, 2016 9:02am PT by Brian Porreca

 Courtesy of Netflix

“They’re successful, strong, and unapologetically strong,” the new series addition tells THR about Leann and Claire’s bond. “They admire that in one another.”

[Warning: This story contains spoilers from the House of Cards season four premiere, “Chapter 40.”]

House of Cards returned Friday for its fourth season — just in time for arguably one of the most bizarre presidential races in United States history.

After last season ended with Claire (Robin Wright) walking away from her partner in life and crime Frank (Kevin Spacey), the premiere opened hours later with the longtime duo still miles apart both figuratively and literally.

While Frank was still on the campaign trail days before an important primary – and desperately trying to cover up his wife’s absence – Claire went back home to Texas to carve a new political path for herself apart from her husband. Step one? Recruiting her own Doug Stamper (Michael Kelley) in Leann Harvey, played by new series regular Neve Campbell.

The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Campbell about Leann’s loyalty to Claire, creator Beau Willimon’s final season and the joys of playing a role other than “the girlfriend.”

Were you a fan of the show before you signed on?

I hadn’t seen all of the episodes only because I have a three-and-a-half-year-old so I just don’t have the time. And if we are watching TV at home, it’s Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. I had seen probably about five or six episodes and I was a huge fan. 

This was show creator Beau Willimon’s last season of the show. What was it like working with him?

I loved working with Beau. He’s, in my opinion, a genius. He’s a fantastic writer, he’s very politically minded. He was well adept at really creating an accurate picture in a lot of ways of a world of politics. We were all sad to hear the news and we’re going to miss him. I’m glad I found out recently they kept on two of the writers [Melissa James Gibson and Frank Pugliese] who have been on the writing staff [and] are now taking over as showrunners. I’m glad they made that decision because they at least still have the voice of the show. They worked with Beau and know the tone that it should be. Hopefully, it will be in keeping with Beau’s work. 

What do you think Frank and Melissa’s direction for next season will be?

I honestly don’t know! (Laughs.) Beau kept things really close to his chest when it came to his vision of what was in the future. He kept everything very much in the present of what he was writing in the moment. I know that they’ll have a clear idea of where Beau was going.

In the first episode of this season, Claire and Frank’s story still continues and she hasn’t definitively left him. How will their relationship unfold further? And how will Leann contribute to either their demise or reunion? 

The Underwoods relationship is obviously very compromised at the beginning of the season. They’re at odds and this season is going to focus around a campaign and an election. Frank and Claire are going to be in competition I suppose. Leann is brought on to help Claire with her campaign. So Claire and Frank go toe-to-toe as do Stamper and Leann. 

What does Leann want? What is her end game?

Leann is very ambitious. She’s been very successful in her own right already, but when she’s looking to the White House, I’m not exactly sure where she’s going. But getting in bed with these two is certainly not a bad thing. Not in bed like Meechum did. (Laughs.) 

She has this loyalty to Claire. Right off the bat audiences witness this bond. Where does that stem from? 

I think it can be tough to be a woman working in a male-dominated world, especially the political world. I would imagine it would be somewhat challenging. They see eye-to-eye in the sense that they’re successful, strong, and unapologetically strong. I think they admire that in one another.

She can’t be that loyal to Claire can she? 

You’ll just have to wait and see. 

You’re essentially Claire’s Stamper, but we haven’t seen you commit any murders yet. What’s the difference between Frank’s right-hand man, and Claire’s right-hand woman?

Well, the obvious at the moment is Stamper’s a murderer. (Laughs.) They are both committed to their individual bosses and their work. They’re both ambitious people so they’re similar in that way.

What was the dynamic like off-camera when you and Michael Kelly are filming scenes where you’re essentially rivals?

I loved working with Michael. I loved what he’s done with his character. He’s one of the best characters on the show. It’s fascinating. He’s a super talented actor, and he’s also a really wonderful guy. Very funny, easy going, and welcoming on set because it was an intimidating set to walk onto. I think because I was such a fan of the show, I wanted to make sure I brought my game. He was really warm and we’ve become really good friends.

A lot of your scenes are with Robin Wright. How was it working with her? 

She’s a pro and knows her character so well. I really enjoyed working with her as a director as well. She directed four of the episodes this year and is really talented. That’s definitely seems to be what she wants to move into eventually. And she’s got a knack for it.

Frank has very few allies as does Claire. Is it fair to assume Leann will be an obstacle down the road?

Yeah, it’s fair to assume that’s a possibility. 

How can Leann avoid being another casualty of the Underwoods?

That was up to Beau Willimon, so we’ll have to see what the new writers feel. (Laughs.) That’s the thing with being on this show, you actually never know what’s going to happen with your character. You just have to go along with it and that’s what’s unpredictable about the Underwoods. 

How is Leann different than their past victims? 

She’s a fairly calculating, bright, head-of-the curve woman, but you never know with the Underwoods. 

She does have protection, in her first encounter with Stamper she pulls a gun on him. . . 

Well, she’s a Texan!

What surprised you most about Leann throughout the season?

Her unapologetic strength. It’s really nice as an actor and woman in this business to get the opportunity to play a character that’s really strong, intelligent, successful and not such a victim. Or not just the girlfriend of or wife of [someone].

Her character seems like she’s been on the show the whole time…

That’s such a nice thing to hear. I was really hoping it would be seamless for audiences. 

The series is already renewed for season five. What do you think the life line of the show is?

That’s hard to say. Inevitably, it’ll be up to Netflix and our new showrunners, but the world of politics is vast. They’re going to continue to be really smart about these characters and their journeys. I’m excited just as audiences are to see where they go with it. There’s a lot of places you can go. Look at the insanity that is the campaigns going on in real life at the moment and you realize you really can’t go too far with anything. 

The entire fourth season of House of Cards is now available on Netflix.

What did you think of the season four premiere? Does Leann seem like she’s been on the show the whole time? What do you predict is up her sleeve? Chat about it in the comments below and stay tuned to The Live Feed for more House of Cards coverage. 

House of Cards

January 27, 2016 10:23pm PT by Brian Porreca

David Schwimmer, Courtney B. Vance, Cuba Gooding Jr.  Todd Williamson

The actor talks race in television versus film at the FX true crime anthology’s world premiere.

The #OscarsSoWhite controversy made its presence felt at the world premiere of FX’s The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story at the Westwood Village Theater in Los Angeles Wednesday night.

“I refer to what Alejandro Inarritu said, the awards shows are the end of the chain,” star Cuba Gooding Jr. told The Hollywood Reporter. “It has to start higher up. It has to start in the casting process. You look at television right now, television is killing it, a rainbow coalition in so many different shows.” 

While the actor reunited with fellow cast members John Travolta, David Schwimmer, Courtney B. Vance, Sarah Paulson, Connie Britton and Selma Blair, he continued to defend the Academy, saying, “I was an Academy member since 1993 and I won an Oscar in 1997, so from those four years I cherish my membership. Our president made a decision and I leave our decisions up to our board of trustees to make those decisions. I have to stand by them.” 

Added Malcolm-Jamal Warner, “The pleasant surprise is that the Academy has been quick about taking steps to try to fix it.” While Spike Lee, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith will not be attending the Oscars Angel Parker tells THR, “I want a front row seat, all those people who are boycotting tell them to give me their ticket.”

Ryan Murphy’s new anthology’s premise revolves around the famous O.J. Simpson trial, but the cast points out the series is about much more than that one event. “It’s really important when we watch this to think about where we are today and ask the big question, have things changed in 20 years?” Schwimmer told THR. “In light of everything that’s going on in this country in the last two years in particular, it’s unfortunately clear that the experience for black America is very different from the experience of white America in this country.” 

Tye White, who plays Jason Simpson in the series, told The Hollywood Reporter, “You can’t talk about the trial without touching on the L.A. riots and the police brutality because it won’t give the full context of how the nation felt at that time.” Adds Gooding Jr, “It’s a timely issue that we as artists hope to reflect the ills of society through our work so that you can dissect and try to find solutions for certain issues.” 

The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ premieres Tuesday February 2 at 10:00 p.m. on FX.