Viola Davis to Star as Michelle Obama in Showtime’s First Ladies Series

According to Deadline, Showtime is in the process of developing a brand new drama series titled First Ladies, which centers on the past First Ladies of the White House. Created by writer Aaron Cooley, the network has already given the series a three-script commitment with Academy Award winner Viola Davis signing on to portray the role of Michelle Obama.

RELATED: Netflix Adapting Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom with Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman

First Ladies is set in the East Wing of the White House, where 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. The series will peel back the curtain on the personal and political lives of America’s most iconic First Ladies. Season one will be focusing on Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford and Michelle Obama.

The series is written by Cooley from an idea that originated with Cathy Schulman, who was inspired by Cooley’s spec script about Lady Bird Johnson. It will be executive produced by Cooley, Welle Entertainment’s Schulman, Gaspin Media’s Jeff Gaspin, and LINK Entertainment’s Brad Kaplan. Davis will also serve as an executive producer along with Julius Tennon through through their JuVee Productions banner.

RELATED: Viola Davis Reprising Amanda Waller in The Suicide Squad

First Ladies will be co-produced by Showtime and Lionsgate TV along with Welle Entertainment (Otherhood), Gaspin Media (LA’s Finest), and JuVee Productions.

Movie News
Marvel and DC
X