A new series promises to illuminate a pivotal moment in American history: when Benjamin Franklin helped secure French support during the Revolutionary War.
Starring and executive produced by Academy, Emmy and AFI Lifetime Achievement Award winner Michael Douglas, he takes on the lead role in the eight-part limited series “Franklin.” Based on the acclaimed book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America,” by Pulitzer winner Stacy Schiff, the show will dramatize Franklin’s daring 1776 mission to France.
At age 70, with no formal diplomatic experience, he had to win over an absolute monarchy to underwrite America’s experiment in democracy. Over nearly a decade in Paris, by virtue of his fame, charisma and ingenuity, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies, French informers and hostile colleagues to forge the Franco-American alliance of 1778 and the peace treaty with Great Britain in 1783.
Diplomats and historians consider it one of the most vital diplomatic assignments in U.S. history as without French aid, America could not have won the Revolution.
“Franklin” aims to vividly capture the story behind this great improvisation, with Douglas embodying Franklin’s intellect, charm and tenacity. New episodes will air weekly after the premiere.
The drama also stars Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place), Thibault de Montalembert (“Call My Agent!”), Daniel Mays (“Line of Duty”), Ludivine Sagnier (“Lupin”), Eddie Marsan (“Ray Donovan”), Assaad Bouab (“Call My Agent!”), Jeanne Balibar (“Irma Vep”) and Theodore Pellerin (There’s Someone Inside Your House).
In addition to Douglas, the creative team includes Emmy and WGA Award-winning writer and executive producer Kirk Ellis (“John Adams”) and Emmy, WGA and Pulitzer Prize Award-nominated writer and executive producer Howard Korder (“Boardwalk Empire”). Emmy and DGA Award-winning director Tim Van Patten (“Masters of the Air,” “The Sopranos”) serves as director and executive producer. Richard Plepler executive produces through EDEN Productions, Tony Krantz through Flame Ventures, Philippe Maigret through ITV Studios America and Mark Mostyn also executive produce. Stacy Schiff also serves as co-executive producer. “Franklin” is a co-production between ITV Studios America and Apple Studios.
“Franklin” will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes on Friday, April 12, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 17, 2024.
