Game of Thrones bosses' new Netflix series adds Nick Offerman

Game of Thrones bosses David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have added The Last of Us star Nick Offerman to their new assassination drama for Netflix.

Based on Candice Millard's best-selling book Destiny of the Republic, the new series – titled Death By Lightning – will examine the story of US President James Garfield, whose presidency was cut short when he was murdered less than a year into his term.

As well as Offerman, GLOW's Betty Gilpin has also been cast in the historical drama.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Offerman will play vice president Chester Arthur, who became president following Garfield's death, and Gilpin will play the president's wife, first lady Crete Garfield.

Related: The Last of Us season 2 adds You and Riverdale stars

Succession star Matthew Macfadyen was previously announced as the show's lead, alongside The Flash's Michael Shannon.

Macfadyen will play Charles Guiteau, the assassin who shot Garfield in July 1881 — only four months after he took office. Michael Shannon will play Garfield.

"The series will bring to life the 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," reads the show's official synopsis.

Bad Education screenwriter Mike Makowsky has created the series, with Captain Fantastic's Matt Ross on board to direct all the episodes (via Deadline).

The pair are also set to executive produce, alongside Bernie Caulfield and the Game of Thrones' duo — who will collaborate on the show as part of their overall deal with Netflix.

Further casting for Death By Lightning is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Related: Pedro Pascal gives update on filming The Last of Us season 2

Offerman recently won a Primetime Emmy award for his guest appearance in The Last of Us As apocalypse survivor Bill — who formed the centre of a heartbreaking episode alongside his partner Frank (Murray Bartlett).

The Parks and Rec star previously hinted at his return in season two, despite his character's tragic end in the first season.

However, The Last of Us co-creator Craig Mazin recently put a stop to the idea, telling Deadline: "There won't be more Bill and Frank."

Death By Lightning doesn't have a release date yet. The Last of Us airs on HBO in the US, and on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW in the UK.

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