'House of Cards' season 5 release date, spoilers: sinister end for Frank Underwood?

Frank Underwood's (Kevin Spacey) life will be in danger in "House of Cards" season 5, if rumors turn out to be true.

Multiple reports claim that the ruthless US president will meet his ultimate demise under the hands of the people closest to him.

One of the reports claim that Frank's most trusted ally and chief of staff, Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly), will betray him as he strives for higher power alongside Leann Harvey (Neve Campbell). According to speculations, Doug will be romantically linked with the political adviser, and she will encourage him to cut his ties with the president for their own ambitions.

But aside from Doug and Leann, Frank will also be betrayed by his own wife, Claire (Robin Wright), whose thirst for power will lead her to become as cruel as her husband. This could mean that she will do whatever is needed in order to get everything she wants.

The speculations about Spacey's departure from the critically acclaimed Netflix Original series began in February, after the actor agreed to take over the movie division of Netflix's rival, Relativity Media.

According to a report from NY Post, Spacey could have agreed to do the job because he felt that he is not getting his worth as he portrays the role of the US president in the series, or he could have realized that he will be killed off after season 4. However, Spacey's camp already denied both claims in the same report.

Meanwhile, rumors about a new villain for the Underwoods will reportedly be introduced in season 5. The Hollywood Reporter suggested that a character that Sigourney Weaver could play, if she agrees to join the show next season, could cause a lot of problems for Frank and Claire. However, Netflix and Weaver's camp have yet to confirm if the casting rumors are true.

"House of Cards" season 5 is slated to return on Netflix in 2017.