Kevin Spacey's film premiere faces setbacks as London Cinema withdraws venue offer

The world premiere of "Control," Kevin Spacey's first film since his acquittal of sexual assault charges, has encountered obstacles after a London cinema withdrew its offer to host the event due to Spacey's involvement in the micro-budget Welsh thriller.

The Prince Charles Cinema, a prominent supporter of independent films situated in Leicester Place, decided to cancel its offer to host the premiere of "Control" upon learning of Kevin Spacey's role in the movie.

Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in a London trial last July, recorded his part for the film but does not appear on screen; his voice is heard in phone calls with Home Secretary Stella Simmons, portrayed by Welsh actor Lauren Metcalfe.


Greg Lynn, the operator of the independent cinema, sent an email to "Control" star and producer Metcalfe, stating, "We have an issue. It is with my apologies that I have to inform you that we have cancelled your hire with us."

"Last night it came to our attention that your film features Kevin Spacey, in particular his first film since the court case," Lynn continued. "My staff as well as I are horrified that we are being mentioned in the same breath as his new film for the premiere."

A representative for Metcalfe informed Variety that the world premiere was "rearranged at the Genesis Cinema less than 24 hours" after the Prince Charles Cinema canceled last week.

"While we were briefly disappointed, we have found a much better and more appropriate venue, and one that is happy to be hosting the event," Metcalfe's representative continued, adding that they "considered the matter closed."

Spacey's attorney Chase Scolnick responded to Prince Charles Cinema's decision to cancel the "Control" premiere, telling Variety: "Mr. Spacey has proven his innocence in every courtroom in which he has appeared. Every juror who has considered the evidence against him has unanimously rejected the false allegations. The Prince Charles Cinema's decision to censor Kevin's exciting new project is beyond disappointing. It rejects the legal process of two countries, ignores the overwhelming evidence of Kevin's innocence, and disregards the sacrifice of dozens of impartial jurors who found Kevin 100% innocent."

The Prince Charles Cinema did not immediately respond to Variety's request for comment.

After Spacey was cleared of all charges following a four-week trial in London's Southwark Crown Court, "Control" director Gene Fallaize told Variety, "I don't regret casting Kevin, and I would do it all over again."

"Control" is set to be released in both the U.S. and the U.K. on Dec. 15.