Viola Davis is one step closer to becoming President. Ok, so not really, but according to Deadline, she is set to portray Michelle Obama in an upcoming series on Showtime.
First Ladies will reportedly examine some of the biggest moments in American history through the eyes of it’s most influential women. The series will take a look at the personal and professional lives of Michelle Obama, Betty Ford, and Eleanor Roosevelt in its first season. It’s unknown who will portray Ford and Roosevelt yet.
Davis is also producing the series alongside her husband through their JuVee production banner. Elsewhere on the small screen, Davis is wrapping up a six year run on ABC this fall with the final season of How To Get Away With Murder. She’s also got a series based on this year’s criminally under-rated Fast Color in development at Amazon.
First Ladies is being written by Aaron Cooley, an accomplished novelist. Alongside Davis, Cathy Schulman, Jeff Gaspin, and Brad Kaplan are set to produce as well. No release date has been hinted but the series’ development was “fast-tracked” by Showtime. So, I’d expect it soon-ish (within the next year and a half.)
First Ladies has yet to receive a release date.
