House of Cards: Final season will not feature Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright to lead Netflix series

Robin Wright will star in the final season

With Kevin Spacey off of 'House of Cards,' Robin Wright will star. Both are shown here at the Tony Awards in New York City on November 6, 2017 (REUTERS/Carlo Allegri)

The final season of political drama House of Cards will be a mere eight episodes and will not feature Kevin Spacey, Netflix has announced.

Robin Wright will star in the concluding season, Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos announced, elevating to a central role the character of Claire Underwood — the spouse of Frank Underwood, the conniving politician portrayed by Mr Spacey.

“We are excited to bring closure to fans,” Mr Sarandos said, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

A raft of sexual harassment allegations against Mr Spacey had already put the series’ future in doubt.

The streaming content giant had cut ties with Mr Spacey in November, saying in a statement that “Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey”. Director Ridley Scott has erased Mr Spacey from the upcoming film 'All the Money in the World,' handing his part to Christopher Plummer.

After actor Anthony Rapp accused Mr Spacey of making sexual advances when Mr Rapp was 14, Mr Spacey released a statement saying he did not remember the encounter but expressing his “sincerest apology”.

Since then other men have come forward to accuse Mr Spacey of sexual misconduct, allegations he has denied. A representative for Mr Spacey has said he would seek treatment.