Summary

• Michael Douglas shines as Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV+ drama Franklin, based on a crucial period in American history.
• Rising talent Noah Jupe impresses as Franklin's grandson, adding depth to the historical narrative.
• Franklin features a diverse ensemble cast, including acclaimed actors like Eddie Marsan and Ludivine Sagnier.

The latest historical drama from Apple TV+, Franklin, delves into the exploits of the famous diplomat and inventor Benjamin Franklin and his grandson as they negotiate on behalf of the United States in Europe, and in the process introduces many other historical figures from that time period. While the cast includes noteworthy names that will be immediately recognizable to North American audiences, the largely French ensemble cast features several lesser-known actors and actresses as well. While the iconic Michael Douglas is pivotal as Benjamin Franklin, some of the most significant players in the drama are rising talents.

Franklin is based on the book A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America by Stacy Schiff, and chronicles Benjamin Franklin's secret mission to France to negotiate the eventual Franco-American alliance of 1778. Without this integral treaty, the Continental Army might very well have lost the Revolutionary War, making Franklin's mission one of the most important in American history. The story takes place over the course of 10 years, and also heavily features Noah Jupe as Benjamin Franklin's grandson, William Temple Franklin, who takes on an important role in his grandfather's endeavors.

1 Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin

Michael Douglas is 79 years old.

Michael Douglas plays the American founding father Benjamin Franklin in Franklin. Born in New Jersey in 1944 as the first child of legendary actors Kirk Douglas and Diana Dill, Douglas broke out as the lead in the TV crime drama The Streets of San Francisco, for which he received multiple Emmy nominations. Over the course of his 58-year-acting career, Douglas has racked up accolades as both an actor and producer, including two Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, a Primetime Emmy and the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award.

2 Noah Jupe as William Temple Franklin

Noah Jupe is 18–19 years old.

Noah Jupe plays William Temple Franklin, the grandson of Benjamin Franklin, in Franklin. Born in either 2004 or 2005, Jupe is the son of filmmaker Chris Jupe and English actress Katy Cavanagh. While Jupe began his acting career in 2015 with appearances in notable series like Penny Dreadful and Downton Abbey, his breakout came in 2017 when he starred in multiple feature films, including George Clooney's Suburbicon and the Academy Award-nominated coming-of-age film Wonder. Jupe's character in Franklin, William Temple Franklin, acted as a secretary for his grandfather while the diplomat was on his mission in Europe.

3 Daniel Mays as Edward Bancroft

Daniel Mays is 46 years old.