Kevin Spacey to star in thriller ‘The Awakening’ in first role since sexual abuse verdict
Kevin Spacey is set to star in a new thriller film called The Awakening, in his most significant role since being found not guilty of sexual misconduct in 2023.
As reported by Deadline on May 12th, the actor will star opposite Justin Tinto, Peter Stormare, and Alice Eve in the film, directed by Matt Routledge.
It follows the story of Jason and Rebecca, played by Tinto and Eve, respectively, as they uncover the secret conspiracy that controls the world, and enter into a race to expose the truth.
The Awakening represents Spacey’s most significant foray back into acting, having only taken on minor roles since he was acquitted of sexual abuse in a lengthy trial in the UK two years ago.
The movie, which is currently in post-production, is being produced by Camelot Films, whose CEO Matt Hookings said: “The Awakening has a strong message behind it that is extremely timely in our current society and everything that is going on in the world. Crossing over film lovers with conspiracy theorists has opened up a hybrid audience that I didn’t realise could exist.”
Spacey was first accused of various counts of sexual abuse by a number of actors he had previously worked with in 2017. Following this, Netflix cut ties with the actor and his hit series House of Cards, and he lost out on a role in Ridley Scott’s All the Money in the World.
However, in both a New York libel case in 2022 and a 2023 criminal case in the UK, Spacey was acquitted of the charges against him and has since been set on making a career comeback.
Last year, he was the subject of a Channel 4 documentary, which he heavily criticised on social media. Spacey took to X to criticise the film before its release, stating, “I will not sit back and be attacked by a dying network’s one-sided ‘documentary’ about me in their desperate attempt for ratings.”
While Spacey has refused to respond directly to the allegations in the documentary, which he has described as “anonymized and non-specific”, he also spoke to journalist Dan Wootton on YouTube about his past misconduct, which he claims wasn’t “illegal”.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
