Kevin Spacey is poised to make a significant return to television screens for the first time in eight years, following his dismissal from Netflix over sexual misconduct allegations. The two-time Academy Award winner will feature in an Italian comedy series titled 'Minimarket', set to premiere on the streaming platform of Italy's state broadcaster, RAI, later this month.
A New Role as an 'Artistic Conscience'
The new series, reported by Variety, centres on a young Roman man named Manlio Viganò, portrayed by Italian actor Filippo Laganà. Viganò dreams of becoming an entertainer while working in a small convenience store. In a meta twist, Spacey plays a version of himself, acting as Viganò's imaginary "artistic conscience and unpredictable mentor." The dynamic between the characters is described as one filled with "bickering, misunderstandings and mutual teasing."
The 10-episode narrative charts the development of a "true friendship" between the ambitious shop worker and the Hollywood star, blending the "experience of someone who has graced the world's most important sets" with the "recklessness of someone who doesn’t realise he has an Oscar winner at his side." 'Minimarket' is scheduled for release on Raiplay on 26 December 2025.
Legal Battles and a Gradual Comeback
Spacey's exile from mainstream Hollywood began in 2017 after multiple men accused him of sexual misconduct, allegations he has consistently denied. The initial accusation came from actor Anthony Rapp, who claimed an incident occurred in 1986 when he was 14. This was followed by more than a dozen other accusations.
However, Spacey has been cleared in subsequent legal proceedings. Rapp's civil case was dismissed by a Manhattan court in 2022. The following year, a UK court found Spacey not guilty of all nine sexual offence charges brought by four men relating to incidents alleged to have occurred between 2001 and 2013.
Since his acquittal, the actor has slowly resumed his career, primarily in European cinema. His projects include:
- 'The Man Who Drew God' (2021): A low-budget Italian drama where he played a detective.
- 'The Contract' (2024): A psychological thriller in which he took on the role of the Devil.
- 'Peter Five Eight' (2024): A little-seen independent thriller marking his return to US cinemas.
He has also completed work on several forthcoming films and earlier this year was honoured with the Maximo Award for Excellence at the Italian Global Series Festival.
Addressing Personal Headlines
The actor recently made headlines after telling The Telegraph he was "living in hotels." He later clarified his comments, stating he was not homeless but rather "basically living in hotels and Airbnbs and going where the work is." Spacey expressed sympathy for those in genuine financial hardship, emphasising he did not mean to equate his situation with theirs.
His casting in 'Minimarket' represents his most prominent television engagement since being fired from the hit series 'House of Cards' and is widely seen as a pivotal moment in his ongoing professional rehabilitation.
