Benjamin Franklin Miniseries Casts ‘Breaking Bad’ Actor Dean Norris
A miniseries based on the life of Benjamin Franklin is reportedly headed to the History Channel in the very near future. To bring the project to life, producers have cast a popular character actor in the lead role.
Dean Norris has appeared in a number of movies and television programs over the years. Although you might recognize him from Under the Dome or the short-lived Tremors TV show, most people immediately think of Breaking Bad whenever they start discussing the guy’s storied career.
According to TV Guide, the actor was recently tapped to portray Benjamin Franklin in the upcoming miniseries Sons of Liberty. The website explains that the six-episode series will follow Benjamin Franklin and a slew of other historical figures as they attempt to transform America into a thriving nation.
Sons of Liberty will also follow the real-life adventures of Sam Adams (Ben Barnes), John Adams (Henry Thomas), Paul Revere (Michael Raymond James), John Hancock (Rafe Spall) and Joseph Warren (Ryan Eggold). Stephen David and David C. White will pen the Benjamin Franklin miniseries, while The Borgias alum Kari Skogland will direct.
History’s Dirk Hoogstra said in a recent statement:
“From the Boston Tea Party to the Declaration of Independence, ‘Sons of Liberty’ will tell the rebellious story of America’s greatest fight for freedom. History continues its commitment to bring viewers historical drama based on real events that have shaped our past, while capturing the spirit of the time. Adams, Hancock, Revere, are famous names in our history books, and ‘Sons of Liberty’ will bring their stories to life.”
According to Entertainment Weekly, the Benjamin Franklin miniseries was reportedly spurred by the popularity of other TV shows based on the Revolutionary War. FOX has enjoyed quite a bit of success with Sleepy Hollow while AMC is moving forward with Turn. Since History is eager to cash in the latest craze, Sons of Liberty quickly started to take shape.
The Benjamin Franklin miniseries isn’t the only project Dean Norris has in the works these days. The Breaking Bad alum also appears in director Jason Reitman’s Men, Women & Children alongside Ansel Elgort, Adam Sandler, and Judy Greer. The movie should arrive in theaters before the end of the year.
Norris will also appear in acclaimed director Atom Egoyan’s upcoming thriller Remember. The film also stars legendary actors Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau. This endeavor is presently slated for release in 2015.
Do you think Dean Norris is the right guy to play Benjamin Franklin in the upcoming History miniseries Sons of Liberty?
[Image via Wikimedia Commons]
