Netflix Bids Farewell to The Crown, Welcomes JFK
As the curtains draw on Netflix’s global smash, “The Crown,” a new historical saga is about to unfold. Netflix is currently developing a limited series on John F. Kennedy, an iconic American president whose life and times have captivated audiences for decades. Touted as the biographical drama that could potentially fill the void left by “The Crown,” the new series aims to explore the multifaceted life of JFK. The project is rooted in the 2020 biography by Fredrik Logevall, JFK: Coming Of Age In The American Century, 1917-1956, and will have the prolific Eric Roth—co-screenwriter of “Killers of the Flower Moon”—at the helm.
“Per Variety, Netflix is currently in development on a JFK limited series that could potentially fill the biographical drama void left by the end of The Crown.”
A Legacy Brought to Screen, Again and Again
Kennedy’s larger-than-life story has been no stranger to the reel world. Whether it’s the dark conspiracy corners of his assassination or the glamorous allure of his marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy, Hollywood has been obsessed. The 1991 Oliver Stone movie “JFK,” which investigated his assassination, not only became the 17th highest-grossing movie of that year but also grabbed eight Oscar nominations.
“Kennedy has also appeared in titles as varied as the animated comedy Clone High, the 2013 White House staff member biopic The Butler, and even the first-person shooter video game Prey.”
Danish actor Caspar Phillipson even turned Kennedy into a recurring role, playing him in as many as five projects, including the much-acclaimed 2017 biopic “Jackie.”
The Netflix Connection: A Walk Down JFK Lane
Netflix itself isn’t new to bringing JFK to life. Remember the Marilyn Monroe biopic “Blonde”? Or the surreal escapades of “The Umbrella Academy” season 2, set against the fallout of Kennedy’s assassination? And let’s not forget, JFK even had a stint on “The Crown” season 2, played by Dexter’s Michael C. Hall.
“While Netflix has a rich history of exploring his legacy, they have yet to dedicate a show to depicting his life in so much detail, which could make their new project a viable follow-up to the ever-popular The Crown.”
A Chronicle in the Making: What to Expect
The forthcoming JFK series will trace the life of the president from his boyhood to his appointment to the Senate. With Eric Roth’s creative genius and a biography that has garnered praise, expectations are running high. Will Netflix’s JFK be the tour de force that fans of “The Crown” are eagerly waiting for, or will it carve its own niche in the annals of biographical dramas?
Regardless, the project has already set the stage ablaze with its promise to deliver a compelling narrative that will serve both as a historical recount and a critical look at one of America’s most talked-about presidents. Whether it turns out to be the next crown jewel for Netflix or stands alone as a monumental tale, one thing is for sure: The life of JFK will once again be under the spotlight, and the world will be watching.
