Everything you need to know about the limited series ‘Death by Lightning’ on Netflix
The Emmy-winning executive producer duo David Benioff and DB Weiss have teamed up with creator Mike Makowsky and director Matt Ross for an intense new Netflix adaptation, Death by Lightning.
The limited series is based on Candice Millard’s 2011 novel, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President, which tells the story of the incredible life and death of the 20th US president, James Garfield.
Speaking to Tudum about the forthcoming project, Makowsky expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s a thrill of a lifetime seeing this crack team come together to bring James Garfield and his cohort back from the annals of long-forgotten history.” The creator has reportedly spent six years on this project, and now that viewers are standing at arm’s distance from the show’s release, he couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what’s to come.
“It’s a story I still can’t believe is true – in all its wild, tragic glory – and it somehow feels even more relevant to our world today than ever before,” he continues. Netflix most recently dropped a trailer on October 9th. But for those still out of the loop, here’s an overview of what to expect from Death by Lightning on Netflix.
What is the plot?
Death by Lightning is an upcoming political limited series based on the unbelievable true story of James Garfield and Charles Guiteau, who was both an admirer and an assassin of the 20th US President. Although the story takes viewers back 150 years in the past, Makowsky sees its present-day relevance far more significantly.
“The theme of corruption in politics and our bureaucracy feels particularly evergreen these days,” he says.
Who’s in the cast?
Michael Shannon plays James Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen portrays Charles Guiteau in the upcoming Netflix series. Meanwhile, Betty Gilpin appears as First Lady Crete Garfield, Nick Offerman as Vice President Chester Arthur, Bradley Whitford as Senator James Blaine, Shea Whigham as Senator Roscoe Conkling, Paula Malcomson as Franny Scoville, and Tuppence Middleton as Kate Chase Sprague.
Archie Fisher as Joe Brown, Laura Marcus as Mollie Garfield, Barry Shabaka Henley as Senator Blanche Bruce, Željko Ivanek as Dr Bliss, Kyle Soller as Robert Todd Lincoln, Ben Miles as Gesorge Scoville, Vondie Curtis-Hall as Frederick Douglass, Shaun Parkes as Dr Charles Purvis and Alistair Petrie as John Sherman round out the cast.
Is there a trailer available?
Yes. Netflix just dropped a gripping trailer for the political thriller on October 9th. You can check the same below.
When does Death by Lightning release on Netflix?
Death by Lightning is scheduled to be released on Netflix on November 6th. Don’t forget to save the date!