Kevin Spacey Pleaded Not Guilty To Sexual Assault Charges In London And Is Being Replaced In The Genghis Khan Movie

Welp. It’s back to the drawing board for whichever Mongolian graphic design firm created the poster for the Genghis Khan movie 1242: Gateway to the West starring Kevin Spacey because he’s not going to be in it after all. Variety reports that even though Kevin has just pleaded not-guilty to the sexual assault charges filed against him in London last month, Gateway the West’s producers apparently feel that Kevin playing innocent would be more of a stretch for audiences than him playing an 11th century Roman Cardinal. Luckily for the design team, they can easily Photoshop James Franco’s head onto Kevin’s body in the poster should he be offered the greatest post-#MeToo comeback role of the year. Unless reportedly broke Armie Hammer goes for it. In which case, we’ve got ourselves a real race for Best Acting Man at the 2023 Gödöllő Moving Photograph And Goulash Festival.

According to Variety, Gateway’s producer says “negotiations are currently underway with a new lead, who will be revealed in due course.” Needless to say, Eric Roberts won’t be sleeping a wink tonight. And this morning in London, Kevin, who was granted “unconditional bail” when he was charged, appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual assault and one count of “causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.” The judge has ordered a 3-4 week trial to begin June 2023. CNN reports:

The “House of Cards” actor, 62, who appeared before the Old Bailey wearing a blue suit and tie, was formally charged in June with four counts of sexual assault against three men, alongside a fifth charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey’s last court appearance was on June 16 when he stated his name, date of birth and London address to deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram and heard the charges against him that were read out to the court.

The charges he faces include two counts of sexual assault against a man in London in 2005; a third count of sexual assault, also in London, against a different man in 2008; and a final count against a man in Gloucestershire, western England in 2013. The fifth charge of non-consensual penetrative activity also relates to the 2013 incident.

“While it’s unfortunate that increased negative press is timed with Kevin returning to work, it’s also to be expected,” the producers of “Peter Five Eight” said in a statement to Variety. “There are those who wish for him not to act, but they are outnumbered by fans worldwide who await an artist they have enjoyed for decades returning to the screen. The production has no knowledge or comment on the various swirling allegations, and believe it’s a matter for the courts to determine validity if it exists. ‘Peter Five Eight’ is a film for fans who care more for the art than the scandal.”

Please excuse my previous skepticism. This belongs in the Louvre (to get pelted with pastries).

Pic: Goff/INFphoto.com