Yesterday, Netflix announced new series “Death by Lightning,” a drama retelling the rise of US President James Garfield and his subsequent assassination by Charles Guiteau. It’s the next title from executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, under their deal with the streamer that’s already dreamt up an adaptation of Liu Cixin‘s “3 Body Problem,” premiering on March 21. Mike Makowsky will serve as creator of “Death By Lightning,” with Matt Ross directing all its episodes.
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Based on Candice Millard‘s novel “Destiny Of The Republic,” “Death By Lightning” also already has its two leads: “Succession” star Matthew Macfadyen and Michael Shannon. Here’s a brief synopsis for the series, courtesy of Netflix:
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.
There’s no other cast listed for “Death By Lightning” yet, but Macfadyen and Shannon are both big pulls for the limited series. As noted earlier, Macfadyen is fresh off of “Succession,” HBO’s latest critical smash hit, but also stars in the upcoming MCU installment “Deadpool 3.” Shannon’s recent TV work includes “George & Tammy” and “Waco: The Aftermath,” and he also stars in Joshua Oppenheimer‘s upcoming drama “The End.”
Benioff and Weiss serve as executive producers on “Death By Lightning” with Makowsky, Ross, and Bernie Caufield.
Will “Death By Lightning” be met with immediate scorn thanks to Benioff and Weiss’ involvement? Many still haven’t forgiven the pair after the putrid last season of “Game Of Throne‘ in 2019, but “3 Body Problem” being Benioff and Weiss’ first major project since that HBO series ended. Maybe if that show scores well with critics and Netflix subscribers, “Death By Lightning” will gain traction as an upcoming series to keep an eye on.
Expect “Death By Lightning” to premiere on Netflix in 2025.