https://youtu.be/PWzWr05VKY0
STARZPLAY UK has announced ‘Gaslit‘, a limited series drama about the Watergate scandal, will premiere this April, and has also released a trailer which shows a dramatic transformation of stars Julia Roberts and Sean Penn.
‘Gaslit’ is a modern take on Watergate that focuses on the untold stories and forgotten characters of the scandal – from Nixon’s bumbling and opportunistic subordinates to the deranged zealots aiding and abetting their crimes to the tragic whistleblowers who would eventually bring the whole rotten enterprise crashing down.
The story centres on Martha Mitchell, played by Julia Roberts. A big personality with an even bigger mouth. Martha is a celebrity Arkansan socialite and wife to Nixon’s loyal Attorney General, John Mitchell, played by Sean Penn. Despite her party affiliation, she’s the first person to publicly sound the alarm on Nixon’s involvement in Watergate, causing both the Presidency and her personal life to unravel. As Attorney General, John Mitchell is Nixon’s most trusted advisor and best friend. Temperamental, foul-mouthed and ruthless – yet hopelessly in love with his famously outspoken wife – he’ll be forced to choose between Martha and the President. The drama also stars Dan Stevens as “John Dean,” Betty Gilpin as “Mo Dean,” Shea Whigham as “G. Gordon Liddy” and Darby Camp as “Marty Mitchell.”
“Gaslit is the Watergate story you’ve never heard before. At the centre of the show is Martha Mitchell, an unlikely whistleblower who is the first person to bust the whole scandal wide open and ultimately becomes the subject of a vicious White House smear campaign enacted in part by her own beloved husband, Attorney General John Mitchell,” says Robbie Pickering, Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner of ‘Gaslit’. at a recent TCA event. “We also feature John Dean, a hotshot administration lawyer dragged into the coverup and thrust into the spotlight with his acerbic, whip-smart wife, Mo. The goal in making this project has always been to bring a real humanity to this subject, which yields a far richer and more relatable story than the standard male-driven political dramas about the period. I can’t wait for viewers to experience the extraordinary performances in this remarkable ensemble, led by Julia Roberts, brought to life in this thrilling, stranger-than-fiction tale of marriage, love, betrayal, and ultimately, hope.”
‘Gaslit’ is based on the first season of the critically acclaimed ‘Slow Burn’ podcast. It was created and executive produced by Robbie Pickering. Matt Ross directed and executive produced. Sam Esmail, via his overall deal with UCP and Chad Hamilton served as executive producers under their production banner Esmail Corp. Roberts executive produced under her banner Red Om Films, along with co-executive producers Lisa Gillan and Marisa Yeres Gill. Anonymous Content and Slate’s Gabriel Roth and Josh Levin also executive produced. Leon Neyfakh, who created the podcast, consulted on the project. ‘Gaslit’ is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, for STARZ.
‘Gaslit‘ premieres Sunday, 24th April 2022 on STARZPLAY UK, and on STARZ in the USA.