In a move that has stirred excitement and curiosity among streaming enthusiasts and history buffs alike, “Game of Thrones” creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff have announced their next venture into television. Their new project, Death by Lightning, is set to illuminate the life and untimely demise of the 20th president of the United States, James Garfield, in a dramatic retelling of history’s lesser-known tales.
A Glimpse into American History
Death by Lightning draws its narrative from Candice Millard’s compelling 2011 novel, Destiny of the Republic. The drama intricately weaves the story of President James Garfield’s assassination by Charles Guiteau, offering viewers a deep dive into a pivotal yet often overlooked moment in American history. The announcement marks a significant addition to the roster of Netflix’s historical dramas, promising a blend of factual rigor and narrative depth.
The Creative Minds Behind the Curtain
Helmed by creator Make Makowsky, known for his work on Bad Education, and directed by Matt Ross of 28 Hotel Rooms, the show is poised to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and cinematic execution. Weiss and Benioff serve as executive producers, alongside Bernie Caulfield, a fellow Game of Thrones alumnus, signaling a reunion of some of the creative forces that brought the epic fantasy series to life.
Casting the Historical Figures
The series will feature Oscar-nominated Michael Shannon in the role of President Garfield, with Succession‘s Matthew Macfadyen taking on the role of the infamous assassin, Charles Guiteau. This casting choice sets high expectations for powerful performances that will bring the historical figures to life with complexity and nuance.
Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen will star in Death by Lightning — the stranger-than-fiction story of the reluctant president James Garfield and his admirer turned assassin Charles Guiteau.
From Creator Mike Makowsky and Director Matt Ross, and Executive Producers David… pic.twitter.com/ok3EQqXz9A
— Netflix (@netflix) February 1, 2024
The Tragic Tale of Garfield and Guiteau
The show centers around the tragic events following President Garfield’s election, culminating in his assassination by Guiteau in July 1881, and Garfield’s subsequent death in September of the same year. This historical episode, marked by political turmoil and personal vendetta, is set to be explored with a focus on the human stories at its core.
Anticipation Builds for “Death by Lightning”
While production on Death by Lightning has yet to commence, the announcement has already generated buzz among viewers eager to see how Weiss and Benioff will tackle this historical narrative. The project adds to Netflix’s growing portfolio of high-profile series, following Weiss and Benioff’s involvement in the upcoming sci-fi series 3 Body Problem, which premieres March 21.
As Death by Lightning prepares to shed light on a dark chapter of American history, audiences are bracing for a drama that combines historical fidelity with the storytelling prowess that Weiss and Benioff are known for. This venture into the past marks an exciting new chapter for the duo, promising to offer viewers a compelling look at the life and legacy of President James Garfield and the man who ended it prematurely.
