Laura Marcus Shines in New Netflix Series Death By Lightning
Rising star Laura Marcus captivates audiences as Mollie Garfield, the “smart as steel, very saucy” daughter of US President James A. Garfield in the political period thriller Death By Lightning. This four-episode Netflix limited series combines historical fact with dramatic flair.
About the Series
Created by Mike Makowsky and directed by Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic), the show is produced by David Benioff and DB Weiss (Game of Thrones). It chronicles the political turmoil and deep partisan divides of late 19th-century America. The story centers on the assassination of the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield, portrayed by Michael Shannon, and the aftermath following the attempt on his life by Charles J. Guiteau (played by Matthew Macfadyen).
“There was something eerie about how much the present day seemed to echo the story we were filming,” says Marcus about the series.
Laura Marcus’s Role and Career
Marcus delivers a standout performance that strengthens her reputation as an engaging new talent. Known for roles in BBC’s Bad Education and Warner Bros’ The Great Escaper with Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson, she continues to build her career with an upcoming appearance in the 2026 film Sunrise on the Reaping, part of the Hunger Games franchise.
Cast Highlights
- Michael Shannon as President James A. Garfield
- Matthew Macfadyen as Charles J. Guiteau
- Betty Gilpin and Nick Offerman in key roles
- Laura Marcus as Mollie Garfield
Author’s summary: Laura Marcus delivers a compelling performance as Mollie Garfield in Death By Lightning, a timely Netflix series exploring 19th-century political unrest that eerily mirrors today’s divisions.