Two-time Emmy Award winner Matthew Macfadyen (Succession) and two-time Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals) have committed to star in Netflix’s Death by Lightning, a political drama based on Candice Millard’s Destiny Of The Republic. Matthew Macfadyen will star as Charles Guiteau and Michael Shannon will play James Garfield.
“Death by Lightning is a drama series that 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,” reads Netflix’s synopsis.
The series was created by Mike Makowsky (Bad Education) who’ll serve as writer and executive producer. Game of Thrones and 3 Body Problem‘s David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Bernie Caulfield also executive produce along with director Matt Ross. (Ross will direct all episodes.)
Matthew Macfadyen recently wrapped up a four-season run on the critically acclaimed, award-winning drama Succession. His credits also include Pride & Prejudice, The Three Musketeers, Anna Karenina, Ripper Street, and Quiz.
Michael Shannon earned an Emmy Award nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category for his starring role as George Jones in George & Tammy. Shannon also starred in Take Shelter, Man of Steel, Boardwalk Empire, Elvis & Nixon, and Nine Perfect Strangers.
