David Benioff & D.B. Weiss Set James Garfield Drama at Netflix

Netflix has greenlit Death by Lightning, a drama retelling the rise of U.S. President James Garfield and his assassination by Charles Guiteau.

Based on the novel Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard, the drama is from creator Mike Makowsky (Bad Education) and executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (3 Body Problem, Game of Thrones), under their deal with Netflix, and Matt Ross (28 Hotel Rooms, Captain Fantastic, Gaslit), who will direct all episodes.

Death by Lightning brings to life the epic and stranger-than-fiction true story of James Garfield, reluctant 20th president of the United States, and his greatest admirer, Charles Guiteau, the man who would come to kill him.

Matthew Macfadyen (Succession, Deadpool 3, Stonehouse, Operation Mincemeat) will play Guiteau. Michael Shannon (George & Tammy, Waco, Nocturnal Animals, Revolutionary Road) will play Garfield.

Bernie Caulfield (3 Body Problem, Game of Thrones, Big Love) will also executive produce.