Netflix’s upcoming series Death By Lightning will chronicle the assassination of President James A. Garfield, and it already found its leads. George & Tammy’s Michael Shannon and Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen have landed key roles in this promising historical series.
Death By Lightning has been developed as a part of David Benioff and D.B. Weiss’ overall deal with Netflix, with the Game of Thrones duo serving as executive producers. Bad Education screenwriter Mike Makowsky serves as the series creator, while Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic) is coming on board as the director.
Based on Candice Millard’s book Destiny of the Republic, Death By Lightning centers the stranger-than-fiction tale of America’s reluctant 20th president James A. Garfield, and his shocking assassination at the hands of Charles Guiteau, who believed he deserved credit for playing a major role in Garfield’s election.
Macfadyen has been cast as President Macfadyen, shortly after winning his second Emmy for Succession. In addition to the hit HBO drama, his recent TV credits include the ITV mini-series Quiz and Stonehouse.
As for Shannon, he joined this project in the role of Charles Guiteau. He has one Emmy nod under his belt, for the role in the recent mini-series George & Tammy alongside Jessica Chastain.
