Veteran Michael Douglas appeared unrecognizable as Benjamin Franklin in the first photos of the Apple TV series Franklin. The Academy, Emmy, and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Douglas is set to grace our screens as the iconic Benjamin Franklin in the upcoming Apple TV+ limited series titled “Franklin.”
The show, which Douglas also executive produces, promises to be a riveting exploration of one of the most daring gambles of Franklin’s illustrious career.
Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” the eight-episode series delves into the thrilling story of Benjamin Franklin’s pivotal role during the American Revolution. Set against the backdrop of the late 18th century, the show transports viewers to a time when the fate of American independence hung in the balance.
In December 1776, Franklin, already world-famous for his groundbreaking electrical experiments, faces an unprecedented challenge. As the American colonies struggle for freedom, Franklin embarks on a clandestine mission to France. At the age of 70, with no formal diplomatic training, he sets out to convince an absolute monarchy to support America’s audacious experiment in democracy.
Franklin’s fame, charisma, and ingenuity become his weapons as he outmaneuvers British spies, French informers, and skeptical colleagues. His goal? To engineer the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and secure the peace treaty with England in 1783. This eight-year French mission stands as Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America could not have achieved victory in the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still hail it as the greatest single tour of duty by an ambassador in U.S. history.
Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Joining Michael Douglas in this historical drama are talented actors, including:
- Noah Jupe (“A Quiet Place”) as Temple Franklin
- Thibault de Montalembert (“Call My Agent!”) as Comte de Vergennes
- Daniel Mays (“Line of Duty”) as Edward Bancroft
- Ludivine Sagnier (“Lupin”) as Madame Brillon
- Eddie Marsan (“Ray Donovan”) as John Adams
- Assaad Bouab (“Call My Agent!”) as Beaumarchais
- Jeanne Balibar (“Irma Vep”) as Madame Helvetius
- Theodore Pellerin (“There’s Someone Inside Your House”) as Marquis de Lafayette
The creative team behind “Franklin” includes Emmy- and WGA Award-winning writer and executive producer Kirk Ellis (“John Adams”), Pulitzer Prize Award-nominated writer and executive producer Howard Korder (“Boardwalk Empire”), and Emmy and DGA Award-winning director Tim Van Patten (“Masters of the Air,” “The Sopranos”).
Produced by Richard Plepler through EDEN Productions, Tony Krantz through Flame Ventures, and co-executive producer Stacy Schiff, “Franklin” is a co-production between ITV Studios America and Apple Studios.
Mark your calendars for the global premiere of “Franklin” on Apple TV+, with the first three episodes releasing on Friday, April 12, 2024, followed by weekly episodes until May 17, 2024.
