Netflix is launching a new political thriller called Death by Lightning, which tells the story of a famous and surprising presidential assassination in American history.
The streaming service just dropped the first trailer for a new show about James Garfield, the 20th U.S. president, and the man who assassinated him, Charles Guiteau.
I just heard about this fascinating new movie called ‘Death By Lightning,’ and it sounds incredible. It’s the story of President James Garfield and this really intense guy, Charles Guiteau, who became obsessed with him…to the point where he ended up assassinating the President. The cast is amazing too – Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, and Shea Whigham are all in it. It’s hitting screens November 6th, and I’m already planning to go!
— Netflix (@netflix) October 9, 2025
Michael Shannon will portray Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen will play Guiteau, a man who obsessively admires the president—until his admiration takes a dark turn. The series, created and written by Mike Makowsky (known for HBO’s Bad Education), is inspired by Candice Millard’s book, Destiny of the Republic. Netflix has announced the premiere date as November 6th.
The show features a talented cast including Shea Whigham, Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin, and Bradley Whitford. Guest stars include Alistair Petrie, Archie Fisher, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ben Miles, Kyle Soller, Laura Marcus, Paula Malcomson, Shaun Parkes, Tuppence Middleton, Vondie Curtis Hall, and Željko Ivanek.
In February 2024, the series ‘Death by Lightning’ was greenlit for a full season. This role is one of Hugh Macfadyen’s first television projects since ‘Succession,’ and the trailer suggests he’ll deliver a similarly compelling and dramatic performance.
Makowsky, along with David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Bernie Caulfield, and director Matt Ross (known for his work on shows like Gaslit and Silicon Valley), are executive producers on the series. According to Netflix, the show will explore both the political intrigue and the intimate personal stories connected to Garfield’s life and death.
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2025-10-09 23:15