Michael Douglas - Image via Apple
When you think of the actor Michael Douglas, you may think rugged and dashing. When you think of famed Philadelphian Benjamin Franklin, you may think revolutionary, but dumpy. Oh… not that he couldn’t be electric…
Apple TV+ issued a press release Monday about an upcoming limited series that’ll turn multi-award winning actor Michael Douglas into Dr. Franklin. According to the release:
The drama will explore the thrilling story of one of the greatest gambles of Benjamin Franklin’s career. At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced France – an absolute monarchy – to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. By virtue of his fame, charisma and ingenuity, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers and hostile colleagues, all while engineering the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and the final peace treaty with England of l783. The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin’s most vital service to his country, without which America would not have won the Revolution.
What?!? When did this happen?
Tim Van Patten is set to direct. He’s directed a ton of stuff for HBO, including episodes of “Perry Mason,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “Game of Thrones,” “Deadwood,” “Rome,” and that list goes on. The limited series will be written by Emmy and WGA Award-winning writer Kirk Ellis. He wrote the HBO mini-series “John Adams.” Richard Plepler will serve as one of the show’s executive producers. He used to run HBO. Are you sensing a theme?
Based on the book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America” by Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff, you probably have plenty of time to read it. No word on when the show will land in Apple’s stream.
