Netflix announced a new series, Death by Lightning, on Thursday, described as a dramatic retelling of the rise of United States President James Garfield and his assassination.
The series will be based on the novel Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard and will star Matthew Macfadyen (Sucession, Deadpool 3) as Charles Guiteau, the man who killed Garfield. Starring opposite Macfadyen will be Michael Shannon (George & Tammy, Waco) in the role of James Garfield.
According to Netflix, the drama “brings to life the epic and stranger-than-fiction true story of James Garfield, reluctant 20th president of the United States, and his greatest admirer Charles Guiteau — the man who would come to kill him,” as per the logline.
Who is involved with Death by Lightning?
Death by Lightning stems from creator Mike Makowsky and is executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (Game of Thrones) as part of their overall deal with Netflix. Matt Ross will also executive produce the series, and will direct every episode of the drama.
Macfadyen is coming off of his critically acclaimed run on HBO’s Succession, where he played Tom Wambsgans. His role earned him several awards, including two Emmy wins and a Golden Globe Award. Michael Shannon’s latest appearance in a film is in 2023’s The Flash, where he reprised his role as General Zod. Shannon is set to star in the upcoming drama The Bikeriders, as well as in the apocalyptic musical film The End.
