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

Apple TV+

Oscar-winner Michael Douglas is playing an American icon: Founding father Benjamin Franklin.

The Kominsky Method star will bring the story of the legendary figure to life for a limited series produced by ITV Studios America and Apple Studios.

The project is based on Pulitzer-winner Stacy Schiff's book A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America, and written for the screen and co-produced by Kirk Ellis, who wrote HBO's acclaimed John Adams series.

"The drama will explore the thrilling story of one of the greatest gambles of Benjamin Franklin's career," Apple TV+ teased in a statement.

"At age 70, without any diplomatic training, Franklin convinced France -- an absolute monarchy -- to underwrite America's experiment in democracy," the statement continues. "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."

No word on who else will star in the series or when it'll debut.

Monday, February 28, 2022 at 4:34PM by Stephen Iervolino Permalink