INDIANAPOLIS — Benjamin Franklin's face is seen on crisp $100 bills. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, along with his many successes as a writer, scientist, inventor and publisher.
In the Apple TV+ limited series "Franklin," the title character (Michael Douglas) embarks on a secret mission to France to try to get the country's support to help win the War of Independence against the British.
"A major piece of American history, but this particular sliver, I had absolutely no idea about," said director and executive producer Tim Van Patten ("Game of Thrones," "The Sopranos"). "We were determined not to do your father's version of Benjamin Franklin. We really wanted to dig into his amazingly complex character."
At 79 years old, two-time Oscar winner Douglas ("Wall Street," "Fatal Attraction," "Basic Instict") is starring in his first period piece — and coincidentally, Franklin was 70 years old when he took this trip to France.
"He's a true legend and an incredible guy," said Noah Jupe ("A Quiet Place," "The Undoing"), who co-stars as William Temple Franklin, Benjamin's grandson and righthand man on this mission. "He was very easy to be around, very polite and a great guy. I'm so lucky to have worked with him."
During filming two years ago, Jupe was the same age as 17-year-old Temple when he accompanied his grandfather to Paris as they strengthen their bond and respect for one another.
"I don't even look at him as a kid. He's just so mature and confident," Van Patten said of Jupe. "He's so at home in his own skin, and he's a sheer joy. I love the idea of this parallel journey between these two. It gives 'Franklin' this whole other emotional thing to play."
The first three episodes of "Franklin" begin streaming Friday, April 12 on Apple TV+, followed by one episode each Friday through May 17.