Michael Douglas Transforms into American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin for Apple TV+: First Look

The eight-episode series, 'Franklin,' will premiere in April

Michael Douglas is dusting off a powdered wig to take on the role of one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin.

In a first look at the upcoming Apple TV+ limited series, Franklin, Douglas can be seen in character with Franklin's signature hat and trench as he braves the seas. The actor, 79, is also pictured in formal wear surrounded by French spectators alongside his grandson, Temple Franklin.

Based on Stacy Schiff's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America, the eight-episode series will explore "the thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin’s career."

Set in December 1776, the American polymath sets off to conduct his "world famous" electrical experiments, but his "passion and power are put to the test," according to the show's official synopsis.

Related: Michael Douglas to Play Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV+ Limited Series 

With the "fate of American Independence" hanging in the balance, Franklin sails to France for a "secret mission." Using his fame and charisma and without proper diplomatic training, Franklin manages to convince the "absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy," a feat that proves vital in winning the Revolutionary War.

The series was filmed in Versailles, France.

In a clip celebrating Apple TV+'s new slate of shows coming this spring and summer, Douglas can be seen in action as Franklin.

"Do we have an alliance?" Edward Bancroft (Daniel Mays) asks off-screen, to which Franklin replies with confidence: "We have a battle."

Related: Michael Douglas and Son Dylan, 22, Enjoy 'Good Night Oscar' Premiere in Rare N.Y.C. Outing: Photo

Franklin features a star-studded cast of actors. In addition to Douglas and Mays, the new series stars: Noah Jupe as Temple Franklin, Thibault de Montalembert as Comte de Vergennes, Ludivine Sagnier as Madame Brillon, Eddie Marsan as John Adams, Assaad Bouab as Beaumarchais, Jeanne Balibar as Madame Helvetius and Theodore Pellerin as Marquis de Lafayette.

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Franklin premieres Friday, April 12 on Apple TV+.

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