James R | On 13, Jan 2022

Tobias Menzies will star in true crime series Manhunt for Apple TV+.

The series is based on the best-selling book by James Swanson, Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer. Part historical fiction, part conspiracy thriller, Manhunt 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 strongly features 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 Booth’s injury and gave him safe harbor after his crime.

Menzies (The Crown, Outlander) will play Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s war secretary and friend, who was driven nearly to madness by the need to catch John Wilkes Booth and carry out Lincoln’s legacy. Carl Franklin (Devil in a Blue Dress, Mindhunter) will serve as director and executive producer.

The show is created by writer/producer Monica Beletsky (Fargo, The Leftovers, Friday Night Lights), who is also the showrunner and an executive producer. Manhunt marks the first series order as part of Beletsky’s overall deal with Apple TV+, which was recently renewed.

The series will be produced by Apple Studios and co-produced by Lionsgate, in association with POV Entertainment, Walden Media, and 3 Arts Entertainment. Layne Eskridge executive produces along with Swanson. Michael Rotenberg and Richard Abate executive produce on behalf of 3 Arts, and Frank Smith and Naia Cucukov executive produce for Walden Media.

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