- Michael Shannon stars as the ill-fated 20th U.S. President, James Garfield, in the new Netflix limited series, “Death by Lightning.”
- The historical drama, from “Game of Thrones” executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, chronicles Garfield’s surprising rise to power and his subsequent assassination.
- Joined by a star-studded cast including Matthew Macfadyen, Nick Offerman, and Betty Gilpin, the series is already generating significant buzz and critical acclaim.
- “Death by Lightning” dramatizes the parallel stories of Garfield and his assassin, Charles Guiteau, leading to their tragic collision.
A Forgotten History, A Shocking Assassination
Netflix is set to bring a dramatic and overlooked chapter of American history to the screen with “Death by Lightning.” The limited series presents the compelling story of James Garfield, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become the 20th President of the United States, only to have his life cut short by an assassin. Michael Shannon takes on the formidable role of President Garfield, leading a powerhouse cast in what promises to be a gripping historical drama.
The series, created by Mike Makowsky and directed by Matt Ross, delves deep into the events leading up to the nation-shaking assassination. It follows not only Garfield’s journey but also that of his killer, Charles Guiteau, offering a nuanced look at the political turmoil and personal desperation that culminated in tragedy.
An All-Star Cast Brings a Pivotal Moment to Life
At the heart of the series are two powerful performances. Michael Shannon portrays the quiet strength and intellectual prowess of President James Garfield. Sharing the screen is Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”), who has already been singled out by critics for his “masterclass in slimy desperation” as the entitled and unhinged assassin, Charles Guiteau.
Supporting Players Bolster the Drama
The ensemble cast is packed with talent, ensuring a rich and immersive viewing experience. Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) plays Chester Arthur, Garfield’s vice president. The cast also includes Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing”) as political boss James Blaine and Betty Gilpin (“GLOW”) as the First Lady, Crete Garfield.
From the Minds Behind “Game of Thrones”
Adding to the anticipation, “Death by Lightning” is executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the creative forces behind the global phenomenon “Game of Thrones” and “3 Body Problem.” Their involvement signals a production of grand scale, intricate storytelling, and high stakes, promising to turn this historical event into compelling, must-watch television.
Early Praise and Critical Buzz
The series is already being hailed as a triumph. The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes praises it as “handsomely mounted and electrified,” noting that it “concisely dramatizes a fork in history while wistfully hinting at what could’ve been.” Reviewers have called it a “timely exploration of leadership and disillusionment” and “compelling, surprisingly emotional television.”
Scheduled for a release in late 2025, “Death by Lightning” is shaping up to be a major television event that viewers won’t want to miss.
Image Referance: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/death_by_lightning/s01