Known for portraying the DC villain in Zack Snyder’s 2013 film Man of Steel, Michael Shannon has landed the lead role in David Benioff and Dan Weiss’ next Netflix drama. Benioff and Weiss, renowned for their work on the popular HBO drama Game of Thrones, have recently been in conversation about their upcoming sci-fi Netflix series, 3 Body Problem.
Recent reports have revealed that the Game of Thrones creators are now set to collaborate to produce a compelling drama recounting the rise of U.S. President James Garfield and the subsequent events leading to his assassination.
Michael Shannon Set to Lead the Historical Netflix Drama
As per The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon is set to take on the role of the 20th president of the United States, James Garfield. The Netflix drama series will be led by the creative minds behind Game of Thrones, David Benioff, and Dan Weiss, alongside Bernie Caulfield.
Shannon is starring alongside the Succession actor Matthew Macfadyen in the Netflix historical drama. Based on Candice Millard’s novel Destiny Of The Republic, the drama series is poised to recount “the epic and stranger-than-fiction true story” of the 20th President of the United States. It will explore Garfield’s political ascent and delve into the tragic events surrounding his assassination.
Matthew Macfadyen is set to take on the role of Charles Guiteau, the man who is described as the “greatest admirer” of James Garfield, who later assassinated him in 1881. Taking on the role of creator and showrunner is Mike Makowsky, while Matt Ross has been enlisted to direct the series titled Death by Lightning.
The Tragic Demise of U.S. President James Garfield
James Garfield assumed the presidency in March 1881 but faced a tragic turn of events when he was shot twice by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881. While the first shot narrowly missed him, the second one, penetrating his back and lodging behind his pancreas, initiated a prolonged medical crisis.
Charles J. Guiteau, who was thirty-nine at the time, was described as an emotionally disturbed man. He had targeted Garfield due to the President’s refusal to appoint him to a European consulship and described the assassination as “an act of God.” Guiteau meticulously planned the violent act, stalking Garfield for weeks, and specifically purchased a gun for the assassination.
Despite efforts, Garfield’s doctors were unable to remove the bullet. The medical practices at the time led to a severe infection, ultimately causing the President’s demise from blood poisoning and complications arising from the gunshot wounds on September 19, 1881.
