Franklin — Official Trailer

added: Wed, Mar 13th '24

In this new Apple original miniseries, Academy Award winner Michael Douglas dons appropriate period costumes as he takes on the role of American founding father Benjamin Franklin. The official trailer for the limited series has been released, providing a sneak peek at Douglas's portrayal of this pivotal historical figure.

"Franklin," executive produced and written by Emmy winner Kirk Ellis (known for "John Adams") and Emmy nominee Howard Korder ("Boardwalk Empire"), chronicles Benjamin Franklin's time in France. Famous and celebrated around the world for his wit, intellect, inventions, and electrical experiments, Franklin embarked on an eight-year-long diplomatic mission to France. His goal: to persuade the French government to provide crucial military and financial aid for America's fight against British rule. Amidst intense political opposition and British espionage, Franklin also found time for leisure, earning a reputation as a ladies' man in French high society.

Noah Jupe, from the "Quiet Place" film series, portrays William Temple Franklin, Benjamin's grandson, who, as a teenager, served as his personal aide and secretary during his French expedition.

Alongside Douglas and Jupe, the ensemble features 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.

Emmy-winning director Tim Van Patten, known for his work on "Boardwalk Empire" and "The Sopranos," directs the premiere episode.

"Franklin" is set to debut with a three-episode premiere on April 12th, exclusively on Apple TV Plus. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly.

synopsis:
Who was Benjamin Franklin really? ... Based on Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff's book, "A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America," 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.

directed by Tim Van Patten

starring Michael Douglas, Noah Jupe, Thibault de Montalembert, Daniel Mays, Ludivine Sagnier, Eddie Marsan, Assaad Bouab, Jeanne Balibar, Theodore Pellerin

release date April 12, 2024 (on Apple TV Plus)