Netflix’s highly anticipated drama series about the influential Kennedy family is officially moving forward, with “X-Men” and “Alien” star Michael Fassbender confirmed to play the formidable patriarch, Joseph Kennedy Sr.
Reports indicate that Netflix has ordered an eight-episode first season for the show, simply titled “Kennedy.” The series draws its inspiration from Fredrik Logevall’s book, JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956. Fassbender, renowned for his portrayal of a young Magneto in the X-Men films and David in Ridley Scott’s Alien prequels, is set to embody the elder Kennedy.
Netflix is reportedly positioning “Kennedy” as its American equivalent to “The Crown,” aiming to chronicle the family’s ascent to political prominence in American politics across multiple seasons.
The official synopsis offers a glimpse into the series’ scope:
Kennedy reveals the intimate lives, loves, rivalries, and tragedies that shaped the most iconic dynasty in modern history, and helped create the world we live in today. Beginning in the 1930s, the first season charts the improbable ascent of Joe (Fassbender) and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including rebellious second son Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden boy older brother.
For Marvel fans wondering, there’s no indication that Fassbender’s role here will lead to a surprise return as young Magneto in upcoming Marvel films like “Avengers: Doomsday” or “Avengers: Secret Wars.” It’s worth noting, however, that Ian McKellen, who also famously played Magneto, is confirmed to appear in “Avengers: Doomsday” alongside other actors from the FOX-era X-Men movies.