After directing the first two episodes and serving as executive producer on Netflix's political series/binge-watching experiment House of Cards, it seemed likely that David Fincher would be on board to direct more episodes of the series' upcoming second season. But with production on season 2 expected to start in March, Fincher's increasingly crowded schedule may prevent him from directing more episodes of the series.

So what could possibly keep Fincher from once more taking up the director's reins on the series? Well, it seems he's yet to make a decision regarding what his next project will be, and any choice will likely have a significant impact on the scheduling of the remaining films in his docket. And while those projects await a decision, the likelihood he'll take part in House of Cards season 2 grows increasingly uncertain.

As you've no doubt read, one possibility for Fincher is Disney's 3D remake of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea that the studio has recently given the green light to. However, it seems with Brad Pitt reportedly taking a pass on the film, the director has been unable to find the right leading man. Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe: Retaliation) was mentioned as being on the short list of candidates, but he, like the other as-yet unnamed actors in consideration for the role, won't be available until next year. According to The Playlist, that means that despite Disney being prepared to shoot the film in Australia this summer, it doesn't look as though that will be happening.

That leaves the Reese Witherspoon-produced thriller Gone Girl and the long-in-the-works follow-up to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo as possible contenders for Fincher's time. Several rumors are currently swirling around The Girl Who Played With Fire as a means to explain the delay. Everything from Sony wanting to reduce the budget to star Daniel Craig demanding more money to word that Steve Zaillian's script needs significant retooling has been reported – which makes the project even less likely than Leagues at the moment. So unless another project suddenly drops in Fincher's lap, Gone Girl may end up being the director's next project.

David Fincher House of Cards

But the biggest reason that Fincher may pass on the opportunity to direct an episode or two of House of Cards season 2 is that the project simply may not need him. For those of you who have tuned in to some (or all) of House of Cards, you're likely aware that Fincher was behind the camera for the pilot and second episode, while various directors such as James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross), Allen Coulter (Boardwalk Empire, Luck), Carl Franklin (Falling Skies), Charles McDougall (The Office) and Joel Schumacher (Batman & Robin) split up the remaining 11 episodes. As far as maintaining the stylistic choices and the overall quality of the series, those not named David Fincher have done a remarkable job – a sentiment the director reportedly shares.

While a Fincher-less House of Cards season 2 would certainly be a disappointment for fans of the director, the good news is that while his return would be considered a huge plus, it's not necessarily imperative. At any rate, with production set to get started soon, a decision from the director is likely imminent.

House of Cards season 1 is currently available on Netflix.

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Source: The Playlist