Netflix’s upcoming historical drama series ‘Death by Lightning’ has added five actors to its cast, including series regulars Bradley Whitford and Shea Whigham. The series is based on the book ‘Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President’ by Candice Millard.
Whitford, known for his roles in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘The West Wing’, will play Secretary of State James Blaine. Whigham, who has appeared in ‘Joker’ and ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’, will portray Senator Roscoe Conkling.
Three recurring roles have also been cast: Stephen McKinley Henderson (‘Civil War’, ‘Dune’) as Senator Blanche Bruce, Paula Malcomson (‘Deadwood’, ‘Ray Donovan’) as Franny Scoville, and Tuppence Middleton (‘Downton Abbey’, ‘Mank’) as Kate Chase Sprague.
These new cast members join previously announced leads Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen, who will portray President James Garfield and Charles Guiteau, respectively. The series will depict the rise of President Garfield and his subsequent assassination by Guiteau.
‘Death by Lightning’ is created and written by Mike Makowsky, who also serves as an executive producer alongside David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Bernie Caulfield. Matt Ross will direct all episodes and executive produce.
The series is expected to be a dramatic retelling of the stranger-than-fiction true story of the 20th President of the United States and his admirer-turned-assassin.
