Robin Wright Reflects on Her Pivotal Role in “House of Cards” During Monte-Carlo TV Festival, Discussing the Fight for Equal Pay Despite Not Having an Oscar.
While engaging in a thought-provoking discussion moderated by Variety’s international features director Leo Barraclough, Wright shared her experience landing a leading role in the groundbreaking 2013 series, which marked Netflix’s debut into large-scale television programming. The show not only changed the streaming landscape but also set a new standard for storytelling and character development in the industry.
Wright reminisced about her first encounter with David Fincher, who described “House of Cards” as a project that would revolutionize television. “He told me: ‘This is going to be the future, it’s going to be revolutionary,’” she recounted, marveling at how far the industry has evolved since then. The show’s success has indeed reshaped the viewing habits of audiences and the production strategies of creators everywhere.
Despite her pivotal role alongside Kevin Spacey, Wright revealed the significant challenges she faced in advocating for fair compensation on the acclaimed series.
“Absolutely, it was a tough battle. I’ll be honest,” she admitted. “When I claimed, ‘It’s only fair because my character became just as popular as [Spacey’s],’ they responded: ‘We can’t pay you the same as an actor, so we’ll make you an executive producer and allow you to direct. You will receive three different paychecks.’ I questioned, ‘Why can’t you pay me as an actor?’ Their answer was that ‘you didn’t win an Academy Award.’”
However, Wright noted that feeling frustrated “wasn’t going to change anything.” Her experience highlights the long-standing issues of gender inequality in Hollywood, where female actors often find themselves in a position where their worth is measured against the accolades they have or haven’t achieved.
“That has been the standard for years — it just is. If you ask, ‘Why did that female actor not earn the same as Will Smith?’ They’ll say, ‘It will improve after you win.’ Nominations don’t carry the same weight,” she continued. “Why should it be tied to accolades?”
Wright also shared her thoughts on the series’ controversial ending: “That was my idea, so… I apologize. Initially, I proposed: ‘Let him kill her.’” This creative input underscores her deep involvement in the storytelling process, showcasing her vision as a director and producer.
Nevertheless, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to direct the series, calling it a “reward.” Her journey into directing was influenced by the support she received from her colleagues.
“It was the camera operator on ‘House of Cards’ who encouraged me, saying, ‘Why don’t you just try?’” she reflected. “I learned so much on that show. I didn’t feel pressured; instead, I was motivated to explore my passion for directing.” This experience has undoubtedly enriched her skill set and creative vision as a filmmaker.
Wright also provided a sneak peek into her upcoming project, the psychological thriller “The Girlfriend,” produced by Amazon MGM Studios.
“Our collaboration aimed to create tension between two women who compete for the affection of a young man,” she explained, hinting at the complex dynamics that will unfold in the narrative.
Adapted from the novel by Michelle Frances and starring talents like Olivia Cooke (“House of the Dragon”), Laurie Davidson (“Mary and George”), and Waleed Zuaiter (“Gangs of London”), the series will depict Wright as Laura, a woman who seemingly has it all: a thriving career, a devoted husband, and her beloved only son, Daniel (played by Davidson). However, Laura’s idyllic life is turned upside down when Daniel introduces Cherry (Cooke), a girlfriend who alters everything.
Wright is not only starring in the series but also serving as executive producer and director of this highly anticipated limited series, which is set to premiere in the fall.
At the Monte-Carlo TV Festival, Wright will be honored with the prestigious Crystal Nymph Award, recognizing her remarkable career and her lasting impact on the audiovisual industry. Wright’s journey began in television, with her early work in the soap opera “Santa Barbara,” before she transitioned into film.
Aside from her acting career, Wright is deeply committed to activism, advocating for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and launching the charitable sleepwear line Pour Les Femmes. She emphasized, “I initiated this project because I couldn’t garner any support in Washington DC for the women of Congo. I genuinely wanted to approach digital companies and ask: ‘Can you wake up?’ If every person paid just one dollar more for their iPhone, that dollar could help protect these women. Many of the women I’ve met in hospitals are now doctors and lawyers.”
“Was there any resistance from Washington DC? Absolutely. Congress members promise: ‘We will address it.’ They merely wish to take a selfie with you,” she noted, highlighting the challenges faced by activists seeking genuine change.
On stage, Wright was joined by Rola Bauer, executive producer for Amazon MGM Studios, who shared her insights on the importance of engaging content: “If you don’t entertain people, they won’t come back. If possible, and if we can, let’s enlighten [with these shows]. Give something back.”
Later in the discussion, Wright delved into her film career, reflecting on iconic titles such as “The Princess Bride” and “Forrest Gump.”
“People still inquire about those films. Those are the only films they ask me about.”
Wright expressed her admiration for the underappreciated film “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee” by Rebecca Miller, saying, “I wish she would create more,” while noting that her previously announced project “Kissinger Takes Paris,” featuring Tim Roth as Henry Kissinger, seems unlikely to materialize. “I don’t believe that will happen. It has been radio-silent for nearly a year.”
When reflecting on her greatest accomplishments, Wright stated, “My children are still alive. As for my career… There’s this narrow window in your late 30s and early 40s when roles can be scarce. It was a dry spell. That’s when ‘House of Cards’ came along. It helped me find my footing for a while. I’m uncertain if I would have managed to secure roles in films during that period.”
