Disgraced Actor Kevin Spacey Stages Hollywood Comeback with Controversial New Film

In a surprising move, producer Steven Paul is set to revive the career of disgraced actor Kevin Spacey. Paul, known for his work on the "Baby Geniuses" franchise, has acquired the North American rights to Spacey's latest film, "The Contract." The movie, directed by Italian filmmaker Massimo Paolucci, sees Spacey playing a character akin to Al Pacino's role in "The Devil's Advocate," portraying "the devil" in the form of a human lawyer.

Since his 2017 firing from the hit Netflix series "House of Cards" due to sexual misconduct allegations, Spacey has been attempting to stage a Hollywood comeback through low-budget independent films. His recent credits include roles in the Italian drama "The Man Who Drew God" and the U.K. action thriller "Control." Now, with Paul's backing, Spacey is poised for a more prominent return to the big screen, as "The Contract" is slated for a theatrical release in early 2026.

Paul's acquisition of the film is part of his broader efforts, supported by former President Trump, to "Make Hollywood Great Again" and curb the trend of "runaway production" by incentivizing filmmaking in the United States. The producer, whose credits also include "Ghost Rider" and "Ghost in the Shell," has been working with actor Jon Voight, one of the "Hollywood Ambassadors" appointed by Trump, to draft a proposal for a federal film incentive program and tariffs aimed at boosting domestic production.