The art of REVOLUTION

MICHAEL DOUGLAS on portraying one of the USA’s greatest political heroes

- CAREN CLARK

ANNE-LOUISE BRILLON

LUDIVINE SAGNIER

Unhappily married, the talented musician is captivated by Franklin and his cause.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

MICHAEL DOUGLAS 

The savvy politician heads to France to obtain backing for American independence. But it's a struggle.

TEMPLE FRANKLIN

NOAH JUPE

Franklin's inexperienced but clever grandson travels with his grandfather as his assistant.

FRANKLIN

FROM FRIDAY 12 APRIL, APPLE TV+ DRAMA (FIRST THREE EPS FROM 12 APRIL, THEN WEEKLY)

When Michael Douglas was asked to play one of America’s celebrated Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, in a new period drama, the Hollywood star knew he couldn’t turn it down.

‘I looked at that $100 bill [on which there is a portrait of Franklin] and said, “This is a big responsibility”,’ says Oscar winner Michael, 79. ‘But I was attracted, as I am to most of my characters, to the two sides [of Franklin]. Nobody’s a complete angel.’

Launching on Apple TV+ with a triple-bill, eight-part series Franklin, based on Stacy Schiff’s book A Great Improvisation, centres on the period of his life as he tried to turn the tide of the American War of Independence and secure victory against Britain.

It begins in 1776 when Franklin, who is already famous as a scientist and writer, goes on a daring diplomatic mission to France to gather much-needed money and military support.