First Look at Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV+'s Historical Drama Series FRANKLIN
Apple TV+ has released a couple of first look photos that feature Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin in the upcoming historical drama series Franklin. Douglas is producing the series, which is based on the book, "A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America," by Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff. The series tells the story of Franklin's history as the first U.S. ambassador to France and the events that led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which brought an end to the American Revolutionary War.
Franklin explores the “thrilling story of the greatest gamble of Benjamin Franklin's career. In December 1776, Franklin is world famous for his electrical experiments, but his passion and power are put to the test when — as the fate of American independence hangs in the balance — he embarks on a secret mission to France. At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced 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 to engineer the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and the peace treaty with England in 1783. The eight-year French mission stands as Franklin's most vital service to his country, without which America could not have won the Revolution. Diplomats and historians still regard it as the greatest single tour of duty by an ambassador in our nation's history."
Franklin also stars 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, and Theodore Pellerin (There's Someone Inside Your House) as Marquis de Lafayette.
Franklin premieres on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes of its eight-episode season Friday, April 12; new episodes will stream every following Friday through May 17.
