‘Game of Thrones’ Creators Making Netflix Series Starring Matthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon

Emmy-winning Succession star Matthew Macfadyen has picked his next big TV project.

Macfadyen has been cast alongside Michael Shannon (Man of Steel) in a new Netflix drama series from Game of Thrones producers David Benioff, Dan Weiss and Bernie Caulfield.

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The series is titled Death by Lightning, a dramatic retelling the rise of U.S. President James Garfield (Shannon) and his subsequent assassination by Charles Guiteau (Macfadyen).

The official description: “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.”

The project is based on the novel Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard. Mike Makowsky (Bad Education) will serve as creator and showrunner, while Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic) will direct.

Macfadyen has been celebrated for his work as the scheming, obsequious Tom in Succession, for which he’s won two Emmys. He also has a mysterious role in Deadpool 3 coming up, where he’s joining Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in the long-awaited superhero sequel.

Benioff and Weiss are gearing up to launch the first drama series on which they’ve served as showrunners since HBO’s Thrones — 3 Body Problem, an alien invasion sci-fi epic coming to Netflix on March 21.

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