Death by Lightning
| Death by Lightning | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Mike Makowsky |
| Based on | Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard |
| Directed by | Matt Ross |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Production companies | Bighead Littlehead Productions Slater Hall |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
Death By Lightning is an upcoming 2025 Netflix American historical drama miniseries created by Mike Makowsky, based on Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard. The series is slated to premiere on November 6, 2025.
Premise
The show depicts the presidency of James A. Garfield, leading up to his shooting by Charles J. Guiteau, who had been an admirer of his, and his ultimate death.
Cast
Main
- Michael Shannon as James A. Garfield
- Matthew Macfadyen as Charles J. Guiteau
- Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur
- Betty Gilpin as Lucretia Garfield
- Bradley Whitford as James Blaine
- Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling
Recurring
- Barry Shabaka Henley as Blanche Bruce
- Paula Malcomson as Franny Scoville
- Tuppence Middleton as Kate Chase Sprague
- Laura Marcus as Mollie Garfield
- Vondie Curtis-Hall as Frederick Douglass
- Željko Ivanek as Doctor Willard Bliss
- Archie Fisher as Joe Brown
- Kyle Soller as Robert Todd Lincoln
- Ben Miles as George Scoville
- Madeleine Crow as Mary Scoville
- Evelyn Crow as Bertha Scoville
- Shaun Parkes as Dr. Charles Purvis
- Alistair Petrie as John Sherman
Production
The series was announced in February 2024, with Michael Shannon cast to play Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen as the assassin Guiteau. Matt Ross was set to direct all episodes of the series.[1] Later that month, Nick Offerman and Betty Gilpin joined the cast, as Chester A. Arthur and Lucretia Garfield respectively.[2] In May, Bradley Whitford and Shea Whigham were added, with Stephen McKinley Henderson, Paula Malcolmson and Tuppence Middleton joining in recurring capacities.[3] Laura Marcus would be added in July.[4] In October, additional castings were announced, including Barry Shabaka Henley (replacing McKinley Henderson in his role), Vondie Curtis-Hall and Željko Ivanek.[5]
Filming began in Budapest on July 1, 2024,[6][7] and wrapped in October of the same year.[5]
Release
Death by Lightning is scheduled to be premiere on Netflix on November 6, 2025.[8]
See also
- Murder of a President; PBS documentary American Experience
References
- ^ White, Peter (February 1, 2024). "Michael Shannon & Matthew Macfadyen To Star In President Garfield Assassination Series Death By Lightning For Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (February 28, 2024). "Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin Join Netflix's President Garfield Assassination Series 'Death by Lightning'". Variety. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 24, 2024). "Bradley Whitford & Shea Whigham Join Netflix's Death By Lightning, 3 Others Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Goldbart, Max (July 19, 2024). "Netflix Finds Its President Garfield's Daughter For Death By Lightning Series Starring Michael Shannon As 20th POTUS". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ a b Campione, Katie (October 11, 2024). "Death By Lightning: Vondie Curtis Hall, Željko Ivanek & Barry Shabaka Henley Among 8 To Join Netflix Limited Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
- ^ "Death by Lightning – Budapest Sets Stage for Netflix's Presidential Drama". Budapest Reporter. April 4, 2024. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
- ^ "Death by Lightning". Film & Television Industry Alliance. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ Petski, Denise (August 21, 2025). "'Death By Lightning' Starring Michael Shannon & Matthew Macfadyen Gets Netflix Premiere Date". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
