Kevin Spacey has admitted that he felt ‘self conscious’ on the set of his new movie, Peter Five Eight, because he wanted to make sure other people working on the film ‘were being treated well’ after he was acquitted of sexual assault charges.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the 64-year-old actor – who broke down in tears during a television interview with Piers Morgan earlier this week – said that he felt ‘honored to be working’ again, but didn’t view his role in the risqué thriller as his big ‘comeback.’
Spacey plays the role of a hitman named Peter, who infiltrates a small town at the behest of his shadowy boss to murder a real estate agent named Sam, and says he had no qualms about portraying a ‘bad guy’ – despite everything that he has been accused of in recent years.
‘I try to not judge the characters I play and it was important for me to not let outside noises factor into what I might be able to bring to a character,’ Spacey explained.
‘An audience might label a character “good” or “bad,” but my job is to play characters without judging them.’
Kevin Spacey has admitted that he felt ‘self conscious’ on the set of his new movie Peter Five Eight
The 64-year-old actor plays the part of a hitman named Peter in the risqué thriller, which was released in March 2024
‘So it is not concerning for me to take on any role. Wandering around in someone else’s shoes or ideas can be a very empathetic experience,’ he continued, before adding: ‘I did not think of this film – or any production I may become involved with – as a “comeback”; although I can appreciate why some might think that way.’
When asked what it was like to be in front of the camera again, Spacey – who was dropped from hit Netflix series House of Cards in 2017 – revealed: ‘I think I was probably more focused on everyone else having a good experience.
‘I’d like to think it’s what I’ve always done but I was likely more self conscious about my role in making sure others were being treated well and getting what they needed to be able to bring their best to the table.’
The American Beauty star, who shot Peter Five Eight in California between late 2021 and early 2022, admitted that he didn’t draw inspiration from any of his previous characters for the role – and said that everyone on set was ‘welcoming and enjoyable to work with.’
‘I tried to treat this as a new experience, trust in my director and serve the script as best I could,’ Spacey told DailyMail.com, before explaining why he refused to see this as a ‘turning point’ in his 40-year career.
‘I try never to put any such pressure on any role, each job is about the work itself,’ Spacey claimed. ‘It isn’t for me to comment on whether something may or may not be a turning point. My role is to get up everyday and embrace each experience I am offered as an opportunity.’
Spacey was one of the most recognized faces in Hollywood when allegations of sexual misconduct were made.
In July last year Spacey faced trial at Southwark Crown Court over nine sexual offences charges in a case involving four men. He vehemently denied their claims and the jury acquitted him of all charges.
Spacey admitted that he doesn’t view the movie as a ‘comeback’ nor a ‘turning point’ in his career
Spacey played the role of Frank Underwood in Netflix series House of Cards from 2013 until 2017
Just last month, celebrities such as Sharon Stone and Liam Neeson called for Spacey to be allowed to resume his Hollywood acting career after being cleared of the sexual assault charges.
Stephen Fry, F. Murray Abraham and Sir Trevor Nunn have also come out in defense of the two-time Oscar winner since Channel 4 aired a documentary called Spacey Unmasked on May 6.
Asked what their support means to him, Spacey told DailyMail.com: ‘I know how hard it is to speak up at such times. I have had many people offer kind words of support from behind the scenes privately, but to have Sharon, Liam, Murray, Stephen, Trevor and others speak out publicly is something I’ll never forget.’
The Usual Suspects actor also shared his thoughts on whether or not he feels cancel culture has reached dangerous levels when it comes to the court of public opinion.
‘I do think many people have confused feelings for facts and opinions for law,’ Spacey shared.
‘It’s called the court of public opinion for the very reason that it’s opinion, and everyone should always be entitled to their opinion, but if we don’t respect the actual courts then we all risk the entire system being canceled.’
In terms of looking to the future and what will come next career-wise, Spacey said: ‘I’ve always said, that as an actor, you mostly don’t get to choose the work, it chooses you. And I think that’s more apparent today for me than it’s been in many years.
‘I am just honored to be working and hope that I can continue to find inspiring collaborators and material that challenges and excites me.’
Peter Five Eight is streaming now on various platforms, including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
