Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin Join Netflix’s President Garfield Assassination Series ‘Death by Lightning’

Nick Offerman and Betty Gilpin have joined the upcoming Netflix historical drama series “Death by Lightning,” Variety has learned.

The duo join previously announced series leads Matthew Macfadyen and Michael Shannon in the show, which will tell the story of U.S. President James Garfield (Shannon) and his assassination by Charles Guiteau (Macfadyen). It is based on the novel “Destiny Of The Republic” by Candice Millard.

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Gilpin will star as Crete Garfield, the First Lady and President Garfield’s wife. Offerman will play Chester A. Arthur, Garfield’s vice president and eventual successor.

Offerman recently won the Emmy Award and Independent Spirt Award for his guest role in the hit HBO series “The Last of Us.” He is primarily known for his staring roles in shows like “Parks and Recreation,” “Pam & Tommy,” and “Devs” as well as for films like “The Founder” and “The Kings of Summer.”

He is repped by UTA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

Gilpin previously starred in the Netflix pro wrestling dramedy “GLOW,” for which she three consecutive Emmy nominations for best supporting actress in a comedy series. Her other TV credits include “Mrs. Davis” at Peacock, both “Gaslit” and “Three Women” at Starz, and “Nurse Jackie” at Showtime. She has starred in films such as “The Hunt,” “The Tomorrow War,” and “The Grudge.”

She is repped by CAA, Anonymous Content, and Hansen Jacobson.

Mike Makowsky is the creator of “Death by Lightning” and will also serve as an executive producer. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss also executive produce via Bighead Littlehead Productions along with Bernie Caulfield. Matt Ross will executive produce and direct all episodes. Duncan Muggoch will co-executive produce.

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