Kevin Spacey refuses to label his latest movie role a ‘comeback’ as he admits he felt ‘self-conscious’ on set following sexual assault allegations

Kevin Spacey has admitted he felt “self-conscious” on the set of his new film, Peter Five Eight, because he wanted to make sure other people working on the film were “treated well” after he was acquitted of charges sexual assault.

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 he felt “honored to be working again” but didn’t see his role. in the daring thriller as his big ‘comeback’.

Spacey plays an assassin named Peter, who infiltrates a small town at the behest of his shadowy boss to kill a real estate agent named Sam, and says he had no qualms about playing a “bad guy” – despite everything he’s done. accused in recent years.

“I try not to judge the characters I play, and it was important to me not to let outside noise influence what I might bring to a character,” Spacey explained.

“An audience can label a character as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ but my job is to play characters without judging them.”

The 64-year-old actor plays a hitman named Peter in the rollicking thriller, which was released in March 2024.

‘So it is no problem for me to take on any role. Wandering in someone else’s shoes or ideas can be a deeply empathetic experience,” he continued, before adding, “I didn’t consider this film – or any production I might become involved with – as a ‘comeback’ ; although I can understand why some people feel that way.’

When asked what it was like to be back in front of the camera, Spacey – who was dropped from the hit Netflix series House of Cards in 2017 – revealed: “I think I was probably more focused on everyone else having a good had experience.

“I’d like to think this is what I’ve always done, but I was probably more aware of my role in making sure others were treated well and got what they needed to be the best they could be.”

The American Beauty star, who shot Peter Five Eight in California between late 2021 and early 2022, admitted he took no inspiration for the role from any of his previous characters – and said everyone on set was “welcoming and fun to be with to work’. of.’

“I tried to treat this as a new experience, trust my director and serve the script as best I could,” Spacey told DailyMail.com, before explaining why he rejected this as a “turning point” in his 40 years existence to be seen. career.

“I never try to put that kind of pressure on any role, every job is about the work itself,” Spacey claimed. ‘It is not for me to comment on whether or not something can be a turning point. My role is to get up every day and embrace every experience presented to me as an opportunity.”

Spacey was one of the most famous faces in Hollywood when allegations of sexual misconduct were made.

In July last year, Spacey stood trial at Southwark Crown Court on nine charges of sexual offenses 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 consider the film a “comeback” or a “turning point” in his career

Spacey played the role of Frank Underwood in the Netflix series House of Cards from 2013 to 2017

Just last month, celebrities including Sharon Stone and Liam Neeson called for Spacey to be allowed to resume his acting career in Hollywood after he was acquitted of sexual assault charges.

Stephen Fry, F. Murray Abraham and Sir Trevor Nunn have also spoken out in defense of the two-time Oscar winner since Channel 4 aired a documentary titled Spacey Unmasked on May 6.

When asked what their support means to him, Spacey told DailyMail.com: “I know how hard it is to say something in moments like this. I’ve had many people express kind words of support behind the scenes, but for Sharon, Liam, Murray, Stephen, Trevor and others to speak out publicly is something I’ll never forget.”

The Usual Suspects actor also shared his thoughts on whether or not he believes cancel culture has reached a dangerous level when it comes to public opinion.

“I think a lot of people confuse their feelings for facts and opinions for law,” Spacey says.

“It’s called the court of public opinion precisely because it’s an opinion, and everyone should always be entitled to their opinion. But if we fail to respect the actual courts, we all risk seeing the entire system abolished.”

On looking to the future and what comes next career-wise, Spacey said, “I’ve always said that as an actor, most of the time you don’t get to choose the work, it chooses you. And I think that’s clearer to me today than it has been in many years.

‘I am honored to work there and hope that I can continue to find inspiring collaborators and material that challenges and fascinates me.’

Peter Five Eight is now streaming on several platforms including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.