The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Michael Shannon plays James Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles Guiteau in Netflix’s Death by Lightning. The four-episode limited drama follows Garfield’s rise to the presidency and Guiteau’s transformation from admirer and office-seeker into his assassin. Around them, Betty Gilpin, Nick Offerman, Bradley Whitford and Shea Whigham lead a cast portraying Garfield’s family and the political forces surrounding his presidency.
Who plays the central figures in Death by Lightning?
- Michael Shannon as James Garfield: An underdog congressman who becomes the 20th president of the United States. Netflix frames him as a reluctant president whose time in office is cut short by an assassin’s bullet.
- Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau: A political office-seeker whose admiration for Garfield becomes obsession. Macfadyen told Netflix Tudum that Guiteau puts all his energy into the “Garfield basket,” until Garfield becomes his world.
The story’s central tension lies in the distance between those two paths: Garfield’s rise into public office and Guiteau’s increasingly destructive pursuit of political recognition.
Who is in Garfield’s family and political circle?
Garfield’s family
- Betty Gilpin as Lucretia “Crete” Garfield: James Garfield’s wife and First Lady, who, like her husband, is surprised by their sudden elevation to the White House.
- Laura Marcus as Mollie Garfield: James and Lucretia’s daughter, described by Netflix Tudum as kind and outspoken.
Political allies and opponents
- Nick Offerman as Chester Alan Arthur: Garfield’s vice president. The two begin as political rivals amid conflict over the spoils system—the practice of awarding government jobs to political supporters—and become unlikely allies after Garfield is shot.
- Bradley Whitford as James Blaine: A contender for the Republican presidential nomination who backs Garfield and later serves as his Secretary of State.
- Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling: A Republican Stalwart who supports the spoils system and seeks to nominate former president Ulysses S. Grant for a third term. Netflix describes him as a frequent opponent of Garfield.
- Barry Shabaka Henley as Blanche Bruce: A Republican senator who figures in the series’ account of the vice-presidential nomination contest.
- Tuppence Middleton as Kate Chase Sprague: A Washington socialite and party hostess whose gatherings attract wealthy and influential guests.
- Archie Fisher as Joe Brown: Garfield’s personal secretary, who has to manage the people seeking government appointments.
Which other historical figures and supporting characters appear?
Netflix Tudum’s extended cast list also identifies these actors and roles. The list is not a ranking of screen time or billing.
- Paula Malcomson as Franny Scoville: Guiteau’s sister, with whom he stays briefly.
- Ben Miles as George Scoville: Included in Netflix Tudum’s extended cast.
- Željko Ivanek as Dr. Bliss: The controversial physician who treats Garfield near the end of his life.
- Shaun Parkes as Dr. Charles Purvis: Included in Netflix Tudum’s extended cast.
- Kyle Soller as Robert Todd Lincoln: Included in Netflix Tudum’s extended cast.
- Vondie Curtis-Hall as Frederick Douglass: Included in Netflix Tudum’s extended cast.
- Alistair Petrie as John Sherman: Included in Netflix Tudum’s extended cast.
What kind of series is Death by Lightning?
Netflix describes Death by Lightning as a four-episode limited drama based on real events and Candice Millard’s 2011 nonfiction book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. It dramatizes historical people and events; it is not presented as a documentary. Netflix’s title page lists the episodes as “The Man from Ohio,” “Party Faithful,” “Casus Belli” and “Destiny of the Republic,” with runtimes on the page. Netflix Tudum’s series overview gives the adaptation and episode details, while Netflix’s title page carries the current listing. Catalog presentation and availability may vary by region.
Who made the series?
Mike Makowsky created and wrote the series and is identified by Netflix Tudum as its showrunner. Matt Ross directed all episodes. David Benioff, D.B. Weiss and Bernie Caulfield are executive producers. Makowsky described the story’s tone to Tudum as moving and tragic, but also unexpectedly absurdly funny. Netflix’s 2024 announcement introduced the series and its initial creative credits.
Netflix Tudum says the title refers to a line it attributes to Garfield: “Assassination can be no more guarded against than death by lightning. And it is best not to worry too much about either one.”
Rank #2
For the detailed cast descriptions and actor comments, see Netflix Tudum’s cast guide. Netflix’s Media Center logline gives the official premise.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
