House of Cards Renewed for Season 5 as Creator Departs

House of Cards will return for a fifth season in 2017, but its return will include a significant change: the absence of creator, producer and showrunner Beau Willimon. The Hollywood Reporter says it's unclear who'll replace Willimon at this time, but he's reportedly working on a play.

In a statement, Netflix said, "Netflix and (studio) MRC owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Beau Willimon for his strong narrative vision for House of Cards over the show's first four seasons. As an Academy Award-nominated writer, he made his first foray into television and built a riveting and critically acclaimed series, establishing his place in TV history. The producers, cast and crew join us in wishing Beau the best in his next creative adventure."

Willimon said through his reps, "I'm grateful to Netflix and MRC, my fellow executive producers, our two incandescent stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, our talented writers, as well as the incredible cast and crew with whom I've had the privilege to work. After five years and four seasons, it's time for me to move on to new endeavors, but I'm supremely proud of what we've built together, wish the show much continued success, and leave it in the hands of a very capable team."

Netflix sets premiere dates for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Orange is the New Black and more

The news comes just days after Netflix released a new Season 4 trailer (below), which premieres March 4.