'Minimarket': Release date, Cast, Plot, and Everything To know About Kevin Spacey's TV Return 8 Years After 'House of Cards' Controversy

A Hollywood veteran, Kevin Spacey attempts a comeback by playing himself in a low-budget Italian comedy about convenience stores and dreams. This unexpected move marks his first television project since a major industry exit nearly a decade ago. The actor faced a dramatic career collapse following numerous allegations of se---- misconduct that began in 2017.
The actor takes on a meta role that mirrors his own journey as an experienced industry veteran.
Plot of the Italian series Minimarket
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The story focuses on a young man named Manlio Viganò who works in a Rome convenience store while dreaming of television stardom. Kevin Spacey portrays an imaginary mentor and artistic conscience who guides the protagonist through a series of comedic misunderstandings and bickering.
This relationship highlights the contrast between a legendary career and the recklessness of a naïve aspiring actor. Throughout the ten episodes, the two characters bond over musical numbers, including classics by Randy Newman and Frank Sinatra.
The show captures the humor found in a man who has graced global film sets, now appearing in a humble neighborhood shop. It serves as a surreal exploration of fame and mentorship within the context of a low-budget production.
A diverse group of performers brings this satirical look at the entertainment industry to life on screen.
Cast of Minimarket
Kevin Spacey leads the production as the imaginary mentor, appearing alongside Filippo Laganà, who portrays the aspiring television star Manlio Viganò. Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner celebrated for his work in The Usual Suspects and House of Cards, takes on this meta role after a lengthy hiatus from major television projects.
Filippo Laganà, who has appeared in Italian titles such as Tutti contro tutti and Amici per la pelle, plays a law graduate who abandons the legal field to sell lentils and yogurt while chasing fame.
The production timeline is now set for a digital debut on a major European streaming platform.
Release date of Minimarket Episode 1
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Audiences can begin watching the comedy series when it launches on the RaiPlay streaming service, starting December 26, and it is typically geo-restricted for viewing only within Italy. This release follows a turbulent period for the lead actor, who recently promoted several independent projects like The Awakening and Holiguards. The debut marks a significant milestone in his effort to find consistent work within international television markets.
While he was acquitted of criminal charges in both New York and London, the controversy resulted in his immediate removal from the hit series House of Cards and personal consequences for the actor. This Italian production represents a significant attempt to test whether global audiences are ready to welcome him back to the industry.
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Are you ready for the first episode of Minimarket? Let us know in the comments below.
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Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui
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