Wednesday, January 5, 2022

AppleTV+ Gives Series Order to Limited Series 'Manhunt' Starring Tobias Menzies

AppleTV+ has today given a series order to the original limited series Manhunt starring Emmy winner Tobias Menzies (The Crown, Outlander).







The true crime series is based on the astonishing events of the Lincoln assassination, its aftermath and the best-selling book by James Swanson. Part historical fiction, part conspiracy thriller, the series will take audiences into the aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln's Reconstruction plans - issues that reverberate into the present day. The series will strongly feature Black historical figures whose lives intertwined with the escape, manhunt and subsequent high-crimes investigation, including Mary Simms, a former slave of the doctor who treated John Wilkes Booth's injury and gave him safe harbor after his crime.

Menzies will play Edwin Stanton, Lincoln's war secretary and friend, who was driven nearly to madness by the need to catch Booth and to carry out Lincoln's legacy.

Monica Beletsky developed the series, with Carl Franklin set to direct. They will executive produce with Swanson, Layne Eskridge, Michael Rotenberg, Richard Abate, Frank Smith and Naia Cucukov. Apple Studios, Lionsgate Television, POV Entertainment, Walden Media and 3 Arts Entertainment will produce.