The Handmaid’s Tale star O-T Fagbenle tabbed to play President Barack Obama in Showtime series The First Lady… with Viola Davis as Michelle Obama
The new Showtime drama series — The First Lady — began filming in Covington, Georgia on Thursday, February 25.
On set production got its start as it was revealed O-T Fagbenle would be playing President Barack Obama, opposite Viola Davis as Michelle Obama, according to Entertainment Tonight.
The series, which was created by Aaron Cooley, has been described as ‘a revelatory reframing of American leadership, told through the lens of the women at the heart of the White House.’
Commander In Chief: O-T Fagbenle will be playing President Barack Obama in the upcoming Showtime drama series — The First Lady
The British-born Fagbenle gushed over Obamas and his co-star when he confirmed the news of his hiring on his instagram page.
‘Not sure what’s more of an honour, playing @barackobama doing a TV show honouring @michelleobama or getting to work with the inspirational @violadavis. Suffice to say I’m giving thanks,’ the actor wrote in the caption.
Produced by Lionsgate TV and Showtime, the series will be directed and executive produced by Susanne Bier, alongside Davis, who will also serve as an executive producer.
High praise; The British-born actor gushed over the Obamas and his co-star Viola Davis when he confirmed the news of his hiring on Instagram on Thursday
Season one will focus on first ladies Eleanor Roosevelt (Gillian Anderson), Betty Ford (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Michelle Obama (Davis). Jayme Lawson has been tabbed to play a young version of Michelle Obama.
‘In the East Wing of the White House, many of history’s most impactful and world-changing decisions have been hidden from view, made by America’s charismatic, complex and dynamic First Ladies,’ Showtime said in a statement.
‘This series will peel back the curtain on the personal and political lives of three unique, enigmatic women, tracing their journeys to Washington through an enlightening intimacy.’
Acclaimed actress Viola Davis is playing Michelle Obama in the drama series that has been described as ‘a revelatory reframing of American leadership, told through the lens of the women at the heart of the White House’
The cast also includes Aaron Eckhart, Judy Greer, Rhys Wakefield and Kristine Froseth.
Fagbenle, 41, is best known for his role of Luke Bankole in The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-present), and as Frank on HBO’s comedy-drama series Looking (2014-2015).
He next can be seen co-starring opposite Scarlett Johansson in Marvel’s Black Widow which is slated to drop in May.
Promo mode: Fagbenle promoted the season four premiere of his Hulu series, The Handmaid’s Tale, which drops on April 28