When season 4 of "House of Cards" ended, the fate of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) was left hanging in the balance. While the series is about his rise and possible fall in power, new rumors suggest he will ultimately die.

People have been creating theories where Frank's worsening health condition would lead the series in season 5. His wife, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), has a growing political ambition herself and being vice president may not be enough. There have been a lot of speculations surrounding the showdown between husband and wife and all probable stories point to Claire eventually assuming the presidency.

If a snap election would be held, she is thought to win because people will see Frank unfit to continue on with his post. Some also suggest that Claire will threaten to expose her husband's wrongdoings, which will eventually lead him to concede. But now, it is believed Frank will meet his demise on the early episodes of the show, which will deliberately put Claire into power. Some reports claim the death will happen as early as the first episode.

In the novel version of "House of Cards," Frank's counterpart was killed after he takes the shot for his wife so he could be deemed a martyr. In the UK TV series adaptation, it was Claire's counterpart who plotted his assassination. Either of the two situations could be adapted for the U.S. version and it won't be surprising if they find another way to kill him as well.

Actor Kevin Spacey's exit from the show was thought impossible at first since he is the lead star of the series. However, Spacey is now involved with Relativity Studios, which is a direct competitor of Netflix, where "House of Cards" is being shown.

In Spacey's perceived exit, a new character is said to be introduced as the next villain. Actress Sigourney Weaver has been rumored to play the new character, but no official announcement has been made yet.

"House of Cards" season 5 is estimated to premiere in 2017.