Michael Douglas transformed into Benjamin Franklin while filming scenes for a new biopic series in Paris on Wednesday.
For weeks, fans of the 78-year-old Hollywood icon had speculated as to why he was letting his slicked-back gray locks grow, but all was revealed when he transformed into the founding father for his role in Franklin.
After starring in 1995’s The American President, Michael is no stranger to political films, but his new role required a complete physical transformation.
Creepy! Michael Douglas was the spitting image of Benjamin Franklin as he filmed scenes for new biopic series Franklin in Paris on Wednesday
He looked almost unrecognizable as he donned long locks and a period costume to film scenes for the series – which tells the story of the 18th-century political philosopher – on the banks of the Seine.
The Oscar winner, who is married to Catherine Zeta Jones, was joined on set by The Undoing star Noah Jupe, 17, who plays his grandson and diplomat William Temple Franklin.
The Fatal Attraction star wore a costume consisting of a hand-spun coat, vest and pants for the scene.
He wrapped himself in historically accurate scarves and gloves.
Eerie: The Hollywood icon, 78, looked almost unrecognizable as he sported long locks and a period costume to film scenes for the series (Benjamin Franklin portrait right)
Bundle up! The Oscar winner, who is married to Catherine Zeta Jones, was joined on set by The Undoing star Noah Jupe, 17, who plays his grandson and diplomat William Temple Franklin
Michael’s wild curls fit Franklin’s story, he famously went without a wig in America but wore a hairpiece when he visited Europe.
Noah wore a similarly styled but tighter fitting suit.
The Apple TV+ show tells the story of “one of the biggest gambles of Benjamin Franklin’s career.”
Quite different: Michael is known for his usually coiffed silver locks (pic R)
Cut! The decorated actor filmed a scene with Noah Jupe, 17, on the banks of the Seine in Paris, France
Michael, a native of New Jersey, is also signed on as an executive producer for the show.
A press release from the streaming service explained that the show is about when the creator “convinced France — an absolute monarchy — to support America’s experiment in democracy.”
The series will only be eight episodes long and is based on the non-fiction novel by Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff – A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America.
In the White House! After starring in 1995’s The American President, Michael is no stranger to political films, but his new role required a complete physical transformation
Historically accurate, the Fatal Attraction star wore a costume consisting of a home-spun coat, vest and pants
Method Acting: “Michael has become the role that changes his physicality, voice and cadence,” said producer Tony Krantz
Limited Series: The show will only have eight episodes and is based on the non-fiction novel by Stacy Schiff – A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America.
Apple TV+ announced the limited series order last February. The streaming service has yet to announce an official Franklin release date.
The series is directed by Tim Van Patten, known for his work on episodes of The Sopranos, Sex and the City and Game of Thrones.
Douglas is known for his work in portraying historical and iconic figures.
In the past, screen icon Benjamin Franklin voiced in the 2003 PBS miniseries Freedom: A History of US.
Related: The Quiet Place alum portrays Benjamin Franklin’s grandson, Temple
Making his story: The Apple TV+ show tells the story of ‘one of the biggest gambles of Benjamin Franklin’s career’
He was also praised for his portrayal of Liberace in the 2013 romantic drama series Behind the Candelabra.
Producer Tony Krantz spoke to Entertainment Weekly in June about Douglas’ performance in the biopic.
‘When [the other producers on the film] Richard Plepler, Tim Van Patten and I started talking about possible actors for Franklin, there was really only one: Michael Douglas,” he said.
“We were lucky. It was like winning the lottery – he said yes.”
He added: “Now Michael has become the role that changes his physicality, voice and cadence. And his humor is so much fun.
“I think people are going to see one of Michael Douglas’ greatest performances of all time in this project.”
An adaptation of the story: the show revolves around when the inventor “convinced France—an absolute monarchy—to support America’s experiment in democracy.”