Netflix has set November 6 for the premiere of Death By Lightning, a four-episode limited series starring Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen.
Created, written and executive produced by Mike Makowsky (Bad Education), Death By Lightning is a drama series that brings to life the epic and stranger-than-fiction true story of James Garfield (Shannon0, reluctant 20th president of the United States, and his greatest admirer Charles Guiteau (Macfadyen) — the man who would come to kill him, per the synopsis.
Garfield was President in 1881 and was assassinated later that year, having previously served nine terms as a Congressman. He was elected as a Senator but declined this when he became President, despite having not sought the office.
He was shot by Guiteau, who felt he had played a major role in Garfield’s election.
Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic) directs with Game of Thrones duo David Benioff and D.B. Weiss exec producing via their overall deal with Netflix.
In addition to Shannon and Macfadyen, main cast also includes Nick Offerman (Chester Arthur), Bradley Whitford (James Blaine), Shea Whigham (Roscoe Conkling), Betty Gilpin (Crete Garfield).
Guest stars include Alistair Petrie (John Sherman), Archie Fisher (Joe Brown), Barry Shabaka Henley (Senator Blanche Bruce), Ben Miles (George Scoville), Kyle Soller (Robert Todd Lincoln), Laura Marcus (Mollie Garfield), Paula Malcomson (Franny Scoville), Shaun Parkes (Dr. Charles Purvis), Tuppence Middleton (Kate Chase Sprague), Vondie Curtis Hall (Frederick Douglass) and Željko Ivanek (Dr. Doctor Bliss).
