"House of Cards" actor Mike Kelly has been recognized by the Emmy voters for a second time with a Best Supporting Actor nomination this year and the show also received its well-deserved Best Drama nomination. However, despite the achievements, "House of Cards" is also undergoing a transition as its former showrunner, Beau Willimon, will no longer be part of the new season.
What does Mike Kelly have to say about what's been happening to the show he's been a part of for four seasons? What can viewers expect from "House of Cards" Season 5?
'House of Cards' Mike Kelly On The Emmys, Beau Willimon
Mike Kelly revealed that he didn't expect to get nominated again and he was actually spending summer at the beach with his wife and family when the announcements happened last Thursday, July 14. His wife also believed the nomination was not going to happen, but when they found out, even his young kids jumped with happiness. "They're excited, but they have no idea what it means," said the actor via The Wrap.
Mike Kelly confirmed that he has worked back on the set of "House of Cards" Season 5 for one day so far. On his return, showrunner Beau Willimon's presence was evidently missed by the cast. Willimon's departure from the show was announced in January, when "House of Cards" earned a fifth season renewal, per The Hollywood Reporter.
"Quite honestly, it broke my heart," Mike Kelly said of the former showrunner's exit, per Entertainment Online. Aside from being the boss of the show, he considers Willimon as a good friend. However, Mike Kelly is confident that they will still be able "to make a great show" with new showrunners Melissa James Gibson and Frank Pugliese.
Congratulations to our Chief of Staff @michaeljkellyjr on his nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor. #Emmys pic.twitter.com/t52qkm2mQt
— House of Cards (@HouseofCards) July 14, 2016
'House of Cards' Season 5 Plot
Mike Kelly has little clue as to what "House of Cards" Season 5 will cover, given his short time back on the set. But he attests that the plots aren't ripped from the headlines, despite its many similarities with what has been going on in real life politics. "They write this a year before and inevitably several things every year will come to fruition," he said.
Speculations are that "House of Cards" Season 5 will delve on the potential death of its lead character Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey). The show will drop on Netflix in the first quarter of 2017.
