If you have just seen Death by Lightning, there’s a good chance Charles Guiteau’s face feels strangely familiar. Played by Matthew Macfadyen, the infamous assassin is brought to life with a mix of charm and chill, making him impossible to forget.
So why does he feel so recognizable? Macfadyen leans on the same expressive features and subtle mannerisms that made him stand out in hits like Succession. With a career spanning stage, film, and TV, he has earned acclaim for his versatility and presence, establishing himself as one of today’s most respected British actors.
We are breaking it all down, from his past roles to what’s next for the actor after this show.
Matthew Macfadyen’s Career and Biggest Roles
Macfadyen has built a career full of standout performances across stage, TV, and film, proving his range time and again. He’s best known as Tom Wambsgans in the hit HBO series Succession, part of an Emmy-winning ensemble. On the big screen, he played Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, which earned $120.8 million worldwide, and starred in the dark comedy Death at a Funeral, a $49 million box office success.
His ability to slip between drama, dark comedy, and period pieces has made him a favorite for both critics and audiences. Each role showcases his trademark subtlety, those small gestures and expressions that stick with you long after the screen goes dark.
Macfadyen’s career is not just long, it’s consistently impressive, giving fans plenty of reasons to recognize him instantly in Death by Lightning.
Matthew Macfadyen’s Chilling Role in Death by Lightning
In the four‑episode miniseries Death by Lightning, Macfadyen delivers a haunting performance as Charles J. Guiteau, the delusional assassin of President James A. Garfield.
Premiered on November 6, the series is already generating buzz, with Macfadyen’s performance receiving high praise from critics, including The Guardian:
Macfadyen, known for playing grasping losers, excels in portraying Guiteau’s blend of desperation, delusion, and comic tragedy.
Viewers describe his portrayal as a “wide‑eyed, Gilded‑Age Tom Wambsgans,” a reference to the actor’s earlier role in Succession.
Blending dark comedy and historical drama with anachronistic dialogue and modern sensibilities, the show lets Macfadyen flex his range. It’s less a straightforward history lesson and more a look at the unraveling of a man convinced the world owes him everything.
Since the series makes Guiteau the center of its narrative, Macfadyen has the space to dominate the screen, and his performance roots the viewer’s recognition long before the name appears in the credits.
What’s Next for Matthew Macfadyen After Death by Lightning
Fans who recognize Macfadyen from Death by Lightning won’t have to wait long to see more of him on screen. He is set to star in The Miniature Wife, a high‑concept comedy‑drama, airing on Sky UK and NOW in 2026.
Starring alongside Elizabeth Banks, Macfadyen plays Les, a husband navigating chaos after a technological mishap that shrinks his wife, promising a mix of humor, absurdity, and heartfelt moments that showcase his versatility.
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At the same time, he’s attached to the prestige TV adaptation Legacy of Spies, stepping into the iconic role of spy George Smiley. This adaptation of John le Carré‘s novels is highly anticipated, though a broadcaster and release date are still to be confirmed.
With a genre-twisting comedy, a high-stakes spy series, and his signature screen presence, Macfadyen is set to dominate audiences’ attention in the years ahead. Whether bringing subtle humor, chilling intensity, or charm to his roles, his familiar face is about to become even more impossible to ignore.
What did you think of his performance in Death by Lightning? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Death by Lightning is now available to stream on Netflix.
