Kevin Spacey’s new film, “Control,” is set to hit theaters before the end of the year, following his recent legal victory. The UK indie thriller, in which Spacey provides a voice role, was scheduled for release in late 2022 but is now aiming for a December release, according to its sales agent. TriCoast Worldwide, the film’s representative, is currently in talks with buyers in the US and UK.
“Control,” written and directed by Gene Fallaize, tells the story of the British home secretary engaged in a secret love affair with the prime minister, while another man, played by Spacey, seeks revenge by remotely hijacking her self-driving car and turning it into a deadly weapon on the streets of London.
Despite initial concerns surrounding Spacey’s legal issues, the film has already garnered interest from buyers in territories where social media and culture wars are less prominent. Before Spacey’s acquittal on all nine charges of sexual assault, “Control” had been sold to Germany, the Middle East, Latin America, CIS, and Korea. However, TriCoast was prepared for the possibility of a positive verdict and had several buyers lined up in the US and UK.
If necessary, TriCoast Entertainment, the distribution arm of TriCoast Worldwide, is prepared to release the film on its own. Co-CEO Strath Hamilton describes “Control” as a “great movie,” praising Spacey’s performance and emphasizing the obligation the industry has to support artists who have faced social media backlash.
The hiring of Spacey for “Control” was not an easy decision, according to director Gene Fallaize. However, following the trial’s result, Fallaize believes it has proven itself. Spacey’s future in the industry remains uncertain despite his legal victory. “Control” is one of the few projects he has been cast in since the allegations against him first surfaced in 2017. He also has a comedy thriller, “Peter Five Eight,” set for release in the US in August.
As Spacey’s career hangs in the balance, “Control” may serve as a test for whether the public is willing to support his return to the heights of his career.