Michael Douglas to play Benjamin Franklin in an Apple TV+ limited series

Variety

Kirk Ellis, who won multiple Emmys for his 2008 John Adams HBO miniseries starring Paul Giamatti, will pen a TV series on another Founding Father of the United States: Benjamin Franklin. The untitled series will be based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff's 2005 book on Franklin, A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America. Veteran Sopranos director Tim Van Patten is on board to direct and executive produce. "The series will explore the story of one of the greatest gambles of Franklin’s career," per Variety. "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 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." Oscar winner Douglas is coming off his Emmy-nominated role on The Kominsky Method.