Matthew Macfadyen Books First TV Role After 'Succession'
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Tom Wambsgans is going to be an actual "killer."
After saying goodbye to Succession in 2023, Matthew Macfadyen is returning to the small screen with a new drama. The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor is set to star alongside Michael Shannon in the upcoming Netflix series Death by Lightning. Created by Mike Makowsky, the drama will tell the rise of the 20th president of the United States, James Garfield, and his assassination by Charles Guiteau.
"Have spent the last five years going down the craziest historical rabbit hole ever, all thanks to Candice Millard and her wonderful book DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC. Can't believe we actually get to go make this thing," creator and executive producer Makowsky wrote on social media following the series announcement.
Before the "stranger-than-fiction story" premieres, here is everything to know about Death by Lightning.
How to watch Death by Lightning
The drama, directed by Matt Ross, will stream on Netflix.
What is the Death by Lightning release date?
The streaming giant has yet to reveal a release date for the series.
Who is in the Death by Lightning cast?
Nocturnal Animals' Michael Shannon has been cast as President James Garfield, while Succession and Deadpool 3 actor Matthew Macfadyen will play the man who shot him, Charles Guiteau.
Related: 179 Best 'Succession' Quotes and Insults
What is Death by Lightning about?
Death by Lightning is based on Candice Millard's novel Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. The official logline for the series reads: "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."
When was James Garfield president?
Garfield was elected president in 1880. His inauguration took place on March 4, 1881.
When was the assassination of President James Garfield?
The president was shot by Guiteau on July 2, 1881 at a railroad station. According to the National Parks Service, Guiteau said at his trial, "I did not kill the President. The doctors did that. I merely shot him."
When did President James Garfield die?
After being shot by Guiteau, Garfield was "mortally wounded" in the White House for weeks, per the White House Historical Association. Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone, is said to have tried to find the bullet with an induction-balance electrical device that he had designed, but was unsuccessful. President Garfield ended up dying on Sept. 19, 1881 from an infection and internal hemorrhage.
