‘Manhunt’ – Interview:

25 June, 2024 Siobhan Marie Day 0 Comments 3 categories

Tobias Menzies interviews with "Good Morning America" and discusses his role of Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of War Edwin Stanton for the Apple TV+ limited series "Manhunt" that details the 12-day manhunt for Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth led by Stanton. Photo Credit: Good Morning America

Award-Winning Actor Tobias Menzies Talks New True Crime Thriller…

On March 14, 2024, Tobias Menzies appeared on Good Morning America to discuss his role as Edwin Stanton in the Apple TV+ miniseries Manhunt. The miniseries, adapted from James L. Swanson‘s book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer, focuses on the intense 12-day pursuit of John Wilkes Booth following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

Genre: Conspiracy thriller, and Historical drama, and Created by Monica Beletsky, and Based on "Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson, with Showrunner: Monica Beletsky, and Directed by Carl Franklin, John Dahl, and Eva Sørhaug, Starring: Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone, Will Harrison, Brandon Flynn, Damian O'Hare, Glenn Morshower, Patton Oswalt, Matt Walsh, Hamish Linklater, with Opening theme: "Egún" by Danielle Ponder, and Composer: Bryce Dessner, Country of origin: United States, Original language: English, No. of episodes: 7, with Executive producers: Monica Beletsky, Layne Eskridge, Kate Barry, James L. Swanson, Michael Rotenberg, Richard Abate, Frank Smith, Naia Cucukov, and Carl Franklin, with Production companies: POV Entertainment, Dovetale Productions, Monarch Pictures, Walden Media, 3 Arts Entertainment, Lionsgate Television, and Apple Studios, and Original Network: Apple TV+ (2024)

James L. Swanson (born February 12, 1959) is an American author and historian famous for his New York Times best-seller Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, focusing on the biography of John Wilkes Booth and his plot to kill Lincoln and other cabinet members. For this book he earned an Edgar Award. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Heritage Foundation and in the past has appeared on C-SPAN on behalf of the Koch-affiliated libertarian CATO Institute think tank. Photo Credit: Google Images

Now an Apple TV+ Series “A terrific narrative of the hunt for Lincoln’s killers that will mesmerize the reader from start to finish.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt in American history--the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led Union cavalry troops on a wild, 12-day chase from the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia, while the nation, still reeling from the just-ended Civil War, watched in horror and sadness. Based on rare archival materials, obscure trial transcripts, and Lincoln’s own blood relics Manhunt is a fully documented, fascinating tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. A gripping hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters, it is history as it’s never been read before. Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Portrait of John Wilkes Booth; albumen print, 1861 - 65. Photo by GraphicaArtis/Getty Images

On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was shot by John Wilkes Booth while attending the play Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Shot in the head as he watched the play, Lincoln died of his wounds the following day at 7:22 am in the Petersen House opposite the theater. He was the first U.S. president to be assassinated. His funeral and burial were marked by an extended period of national mourning. Near the end of the American Civil War, Lincoln's assassination was part of a larger political conspiracy intended by Booth to revive the Confederate cause by eliminating the three most important officials of the federal government. Conspirators Lewis Powell and David Herold were assigned to kill Secretary of State William H. Seward, and George Atzerodt was tasked with killing Vice President Andrew Johnson. Beyond Lincoln's death, the plot failed: Seward was only wounded, and Johnson's would-be attacker became drunk instead of killing the vice president. After a dramatic initial escape, Booth was killed at the end of a 12-day chase. Powell, Herold, Atzerodt, and Mary Surratt were later hanged for their roles in the conspiracy. Photo Credit: Library of Congress

During the interview, Menzies shared insights into his portrayal of Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War, and the profound impact Stanton had on the manhunt. He described Stanton as a complex character, driven by a deep sense of duty and personal grief after Lincoln’s assassination. Menzies highlighted Stanton’s critical role in organizing the extensive search for Booth and his dedication to bringing justice in the face of national tragedy.

Edwin McMasters Stanton (December 19, 1814 – December 24, 1869) was an American lawyer and politician who served as U.S. Secretary of War under the Lincoln Administration during most of the American Civil War. Stanton's management helped organize the massive military resources of the North and guide the Union to victory. However, he was criticized by many Union generals, who perceived him as overcautious and micromanagerial. He also organized the manhunt for Abraham Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. After Lincoln's assassination, Stanton remained as the Secretary of War under the new US president, Andrew Johnson, during the first years of Reconstruction. He opposed the lenient policies of Johnson towards the former Confederate States. Johnson's attempt to dismiss Stanton ultimately led to Johnson being impeached by the Radical Republicans in the House of Representatives. Stanton returned to law after he retired as Secretary of War. In 1869, he was nominated as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court by Johnson's successor, Ulysses S. Grant, but Stanton died four days after his nomination was confirmed by the Senate. He remains the only confirmed nominee to accept but die before serving on the Court. Photo Credit: Library of Congress

Scholars and enthusiasts alike believe this portrait of Abraham Lincoln, taken on November 8, 1863, eleven days before his famed Gettysburg Address, to be the best photograph of him ever taken. Lincoln’s character was notoriously difficult to capture in pictures, but Alexander Gardner’s close-up portrait, quite innovative in contrast to the typical full-length portrait style, comes closest to preserving the expressive contours of Lincoln’s face and his penetrating gaze. Photo Credit: Alexander Gardner

Hamish Linklater, and Tobias Menzies in "Manhunt" (2024) Photo Credit: Apple TV+

Tobias Menzies and Hammish Linklater in "Manhunt" (2024) Photo Credit: Apple TV+

Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton in "Manhunt" (2024) Photo Credit: Apple TV+

News of Booth’s escape traveled far and wide. Broadside advertising reward for capture of Lincoln assassination conspirators, illustrated with photographic prints of John Surratt, John Wilkes Booth, and David Herold. Photo: Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons.

Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth in "Manhunt" (2024) Photo Credit: Apple TV+

Menzies discussed the extensive research he undertook to accurately depict Stanton, including studying historical records and Stanton’s personal writings. He emphasized the challenge of portraying a historical figure with such a significant impact on American history and the emotional depth required for the role.

The interview also touched on the broader themes of the miniseries, including the end of the Civil War, the abolition of slavery, and the nation’s struggle to heal after Lincoln’s death. Menzies praised the show’s creator, Monica Beletsky, for her meticulous attention to historical accuracy and her ability to weave a compelling narrative.

Appomattox Court House surrender Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendering to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9, 1865; wood engraving based on an illustration by Alfred R. Waud, 1887.(less) North Wind Picture Archives/Alamy Citation

A vintage illustration featuring the Union flag once again flying above Fort Sumter near Charleston, South Carolina on 18th February 1865, four years to the day following its surrender to Confederate forces during the American Civil War and published in "Frank Leslie's Illustrated History of the Civil War" in New York City, circa 1894. Photo by Paul Popper/Popperfoto via Getty Images

Emancipation Proclamation, first reading The first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, engraving by A.H. Ritchie, 1866. Seated from left to right: Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, Pres. Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles, Secretary of State William H. Seward, and Attorney General Edward Bates. Standing from left to right: Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Interior Caleb B. Smith, and Postmaster General Montgomery Blair. Prints and Photographs Division/Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (digital file no. LC-DIG-pga-02502)

The headline of The National News reports on the shooting of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln in Washington on April 14, 1865. Photo Credit: Library of Congress / Reuters

Monica Beletsky of "Manhunt" poses for TV Guide Magazine during the 2024 Winter TCA Portrait Studio at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on February 5, 2024 in Pasadena, California. Photo by Maarten de Boer/Contour by Getty Images

In conclusion, Menzies conveyed his hope that viewers would gain a deeper understanding of Edwin Stanton’s critical role in this historical episode in history and appreciate the resilience and determination that defined the nation during that tumultuous time. The interview provided a compelling preview of Manhunt, highlighting its historical significance and emotional depth.