Death by Lightning: Netflix Releases Trailer for Presidential Assassination Drama by creator of Game of Thrones

by Talha · October 13, 2025

“Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning.” These prophetic words from President James A. Garfield inspire both the title and central theme of Netflix’s upcoming historical drama Death by Lightning.

The streaming giant has unveiled the official trailer for the highly anticipated limited series, starring Oscar nominee Michael Shannon as the ill-fated president and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession) as his delusional assassin, Charles Guiteau.

Set to premiere on November 6, 2025, Death by Lightning promises a gripping blend of political intrigue, tragic fate, and dark character study—exploring one of American history’s most haunting “what-if” moments.

A Tale of Two Men: President and Assassin

The series charts the parallel paths of James Garfield and Charles Guiteau. Shannon portrays Garfield, a respected statesman and Civil War hero who reluctantly ascends to the presidency in 1881, only to have his tenure cut short by violence.

Opposite him, Macfadyen embodies Guiteau—a frustrated, mentally unstable office-seeker who believed he was owed a government post. The trailer captures his descent from nuisance to delusional killer, shouting “Eat shit! I’m a taxpayer!” and later begging Garfield to tell him “how I can be great.”

A Stellar Ensemble Cast and Creative Pedigree

The drama also features a powerhouse supporting cast:

Betty Gilpin as First Lady Lucretia “Crete” Garfield
Nick Offerman as Vice President Chester A. Arthur
Bradley Whitford as Senator James G. Blaine
Shea Whigham as Senator Roscoe Conkling

Created by Mike Makowsky (Bad Education) and based on Candice Millard’s award-winning nonfiction book Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President, the series is directed by Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic) and executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (Game of Thrones).

More Than a History Lesson: A Story for Today

In a statement, Makowsky compared Guiteau to Robert De Niro’s obsessive Rupert Pupkin in The King of Comedy, revealing the series is as much about fame, delusion, and power as it is about history.

“This isn’t just a period piece,” reads the series’ logline. “It’s the story of America at a pivot point — and an elegy for a forgotten president shot down before his time.”

Makowsky describes Garfield’s obscurity as “a great tragedy,” framing Death by Lightning as both a cautionary tale and a meditation on lost potential.