Michael Douglas Says Benjamin Franklin Would be ‘Highly, Highly Disappointed’ in the United States Ahead of ‘Franklin’ Premiere in Cannes
The talk inevitably turned political at the press conference for Michael Douglas’ forthcoming series “Franklin,” in which he stars as the scientist and statesman.
“The show was a great reminder for me about how fragile democracy is,” Douglas said in response to Variety‘s question during the press conference on Wednesday morning ahead of the Apple TV+ series’ premiere at Canneseries in the South of France later that evening. “And I think that Ben would be highly, highly disappointed in the distortion of either a republic or democracy that the United States has become. I hope that this upcoming election will be a cathartic experience for the United States and turn the page onto a new chapter.”
More from Variety
'Peacemaker' Season 2 Begins Production as James Gunn Shares Helmet Pic
Netflix's 'Good Times' Reboot Is Dated, Humorless and Baffling: TV Review
“A Quiet Place” star Noah Jupe, who plays Franklin’s grandson Temple, said he was intrigued by the fact the story of Franklin’s voyage to France at the age of 70 – to ask for King Louis XVI’s assistance in the United States’s achieving independence – is relatively unknown. “Everyone sort of knows about who Benjamin Franklin is,” said Jupe, who joined Douglas along with the rest of the cast at the press conference in Cannes. “I think we’ve all seen a $100 bill. [His] whole experience was so vital to the American Revolution but yet, at the same time, I don’t think many people know about it.”
Assaad Bouab, best known for his roles in “Call My Agent” and “Bad Sisters” is among the largely French cast, playing Franklin’s supporter Beaumarchais. The 18th century Frenchman was a man who wore “multiple masks,” Bouab told Variety: as well as an inventor and political agitator he was a writer, musician and spy for the king. “He was such an incredible character,” Bouab added. “And when he felt there was this door open to fight for freedom and do everything he could to send arms to help Benjamin Franklin and the province of the United States to have their independence, he did it.”
Douglas’s gratitude to France – both for its assistance to the U.S. two and a half centuries ago and, more personally, to his production two years ago – emanated throughout the press conference. “I know for myself and a lot of the producers involved, the least we could do is come back and say ‘Thank you, France,’” Douglas, who is also an executive producer on “Franklin,” said of the decision to make the show in France and to premiere it at Canneseries. “Thank you first for saving America — reminding everybody of that story and how important the role France played — and thank you for just a wonderful, wonderful production experience.”
The “Franklin” premiere marks Douglas’ second consecutive year in Cannes, having been awarded an honorary Palme d’Or at the film festival last year and the actor took a moment to pay tribute to the glitzy riviera town — and its secrets. “I’ve been here for many, many, many years,” Douglas said. “Many stories I’ll have to tell after I die. If these walls could talk — wonderful memories and great experiences.”
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
