The first images ofDeath by Lightningare revealed ahead of the series' 2025 release. Produced byGame of Thronescreators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, theNetflix showis a historical dramafocused on the presidency and assassination of James Garfield, who is being played by Michael Shannon.Death by Lightning’s cast also features Matthew Macfadyen as the assassin, Charles J. Guiteau, Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur, and Betty Gilpin as Lucretia Garfield.
Now, Netflix has debuted thefirst-look images featuring Shannon, Macfadyen, Offerman, and Gilpin playing their historical characters. The images include a crowd celebrating and looking upward, Garfield and his wife looking at each other lovingly during a formal event, a concerned Guiteau making his way through a crowd, and Garfield being cheered on, presumably after being elected as President of the United States of America. Check out the images below:
What This Means For Death By Lightning
Michael Shannon Will Deliver A Great Performance
Despite being only one of four sitting presidents to be assassinated, Garfield’s story is not as well-known compared to many other former U.S. presidents. His story now has the potential to become more well-known based on what is teased inDeath by Lightning’s first-look images. Between the beard, the clothing, and the way he holds himself,Shannon has the appropriate look and demeanor for Garfield, both in terms of the loving way he looks at his wife and in the poised way he carries himself when surrounded by others.
Death by Lightningis based on Candice Millard’s 2011 bookDestiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President, which chronicles James Garfield’s presidency and assassination.
The rest of the cast, including Macfadyen, Offerman, and Gilpin, all look equally well-suited to their respective characters.Death by Lightningwill have a difficult time reaching the heights of HBO’sSuccession, but it could still end up being one ofMatthew Macfadyen’s best television shows. Macfadyen gives Guiteau a concerned and frantic look that will likely play into the decision to assassinate Garfield. The series will probablyexplore the disturbed Guiteau resenting Garfieldfor not giving him a government position, with this resentment building toward committing murder.
Our Take On Death By Lightning’s First Images
It Can Build On The Success Of David Benioff And D.B. Weiss' Other Netflix Show
Death by Lightning’s first images tease an enticing historical dramathat will provide more insight into Garfield’s life and assassination. Benioff and Weiss are working on3 Body Problemseason 2, which sees them as co-showrunners alongside Alexander Woo, and while the science-fiction series is their main focus at Netflix, they have also contributed to creatingDeath by Lightning. The series has amassed impressive talent in front of and behind the camera to adapt an important story.
