The upcoming season of “House of Cards” will not see lobbyist Remy Danton anymore as the actor who plays him, Mahershala Ali, won’t be returning to the series.
According to the Inquistr, Ali has departed the political drama TV series after four seasons. Speaking to Digital Spy, “The Hunger Games” actor believes that his character does not have much else to offer any more in the new season of “House of Cards.”
Ali adds that he believes that his character has a shelf life on the show and says that there’s not much to explore with Danton anymore. The actor also wishes to do more projects that are different from his past roles.
The 42-year-old actor says that every show character has a shelf life as well and while “House of Cards” might go on for six or seven seasons, Remy Danton’s story has ended after Season 4.
Ali clarifies that he did not quit the show. He explained to the team that Danton’s storyline has already run its course.
He says that it’s better to end his storyline when it still means something to people than to prolong his character in the story when he’s not needed anymore.
He says the producers and the writers disagreed with him at first saying that his character should still be in Season 5. But after explaining his character’s side, the team eventually understood and agreed to let him go.
Last season, Danton has a relationship with Jackie Sharp, who went into hiding an on-and-off lover when the Washington Herald released the article written by Hammerschmidt. They went away 24 hours after the article’s release revealing they had something to do with the hostage crisis.
Despite departing from his character, Ali is pleased with how Remy has evolved through the show. His character went from a calculated political operative to an agent of change. He says that there was an emotional shift in his character that went through the past four seasons.
Despite leaving the Netflix hit series, Ali will be featured in another Netflix show. He will star in “Luke Cage,” which will premiere on September 28.
Joel Kinnaman, who played Republican nominee for President and Governor of New York Will Conway, will most likely return to reprise his role in Season 5.
Conway is a young, popular candidate, but Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, has more experience in politics than him.
Reports say that having a GOP candidate was a fresh plot that fans liked in Season 4 thus the writers might decide to continue with it in the new season.
The three leads, Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, and Michael Kelly are all confirmed to return in Season 5 quite naturally. No other character has been confirmed to reprise their roles for the season.
The upcoming season of the political drama hints at Frank Underwood’s death and rumor has it that his death may either come from his loyal aide Doug Stamper or his wife Claire Underwood.
Last season, it was hinted that Kevin Spacey’s Frank will most likely meet his demise after Season 5, probably because of his growing illness or a plot against him.
Speaking to Deadline, Michael Kelly says that the upcoming season will see fans losing the characters they love.
Ali also shares his insights on Season 5 saying it will be cool if Doug will be the one behind Frank’s death saying it would be the ultimate betrayal.
But Kelly says that his character’s loyalty belongs to Frank and it might be impossible because Frank and Doug trust and stand by each other.