"Never in my wildest dreams": Michael Shannon opens up about portraying former US President James Garfield in upcoming drama Death by Lightning

Netflix's new drama series, Death by Lightning is just a few days away and fans might be excited to see how Michael Shannon brings the role of President Garfield to life.

The story is about the real-life events from the 19th century when Garfield was assassinated and the tragedy shocked the entire nation.

Interestingly, even Shannon never thought that someone would ever offer him the role of President Garfield. In a recent interview, the actor was accompanied by Matthew Mayfaden, where he shared:

"I never in my wildest dreams imagined somebody would ask me to play the President of the United States... And I didn't know much about Garfield."

The Man of Steel actor explained that he learned about the late president and fell in love with the guy. Shannon also joked that "it's a shame, what you did! [looking at Mayfaden]" as his co-star plays the unhinged assassin.

Shannon also mentioned that he realized that Garfield wasn't hungry for power, but was focused on making the country better. Mayfaden added about his character that Charles J. Guiteau was someone who failed miserably in most of his plans.

Michael Shannon talked about his role in Netflix's upcoming thriller Death by Lightning

The four-part limited series, Death by Lightning, will arrive on Netflix on November 6, focusing not only on the unexpected assassination of President Garfield but also on the human and political stories linked to the main event. The historical drama series will move between two parallel narratives.

First, the President Garfield himself, who rose from humble beginnings to the nation’s highest office, and second, Charles Guiteau, the man who would eventually kill him. In the same interview, Michael Shannon was also asked to shed light on going back to the 19th century, to which he said:

"It's such a fascinating time in the history of our country... It's sandwiched between the Civil War and World War I..."

Shannon also highlighted the design and clothing in the drama series, which aligns with the time period. The cast members then talked about the facial hair for their characters in Death by Lightning, in which Shannon wore an entirely fake beard, while Matthew Mayfaden grew his beard and used only extensions.

As for the creator Mike Makowsky's views, he told Tudum in an interview that:

"It’s been the thrill of a lifetime seeing this crack team come together to bring James Garfield and his cohort back from the annals of long-forgotten history."

Makowsky is excited for viewers to watch this drama series as it feels more relevant in today's world. So, make sure to tune in to Netflix on November 6.

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Who else stars in Death by Lightning? Cast details explored

Here's a look at the key cast and characters involved in Death by Lightning:

Matthew Macfadyen as Charles J. Guiteau: Garfield’s assassin, whose delusions of importance led him to commit murder.

Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur: The vice president who takes on the lead after the tragic end of Garfield's life.

Bradley Whitford as James Blaine: The president's ally and senator from Maine.

Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling: Unlike Blaine, Conkling is an adversary to the president.

Vondie Curtis-Hall as Frederick Douglass: One of the legendary figures whom Garfield trusted and appointed to a government role.

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