No matter your political persuasion, it seems as if nearly everybody views Theodore Roosevelt with great esteem. “Teddy” is one of those guys who did so much it seems like he must have lived several lifetimes. It’s now quite fitting that a man whose life could have been written for television may get his own series, thanks to Showtime and David McKenna.
According to Variety, cable channel Showtime and McKenna--the screenwriter of American History X--are developing a limited series about the life of the 26th President/Secretary of the Navy/war hero/naturalist/assassination survivor/you get the idea, the guy was awesome. If it moves forward, the project will adapt the “real life heroic story” of the larger-than-life political figure as an epic limited series.
The most interesting thing in the story, however, may be the information that hasn't been released yet. While no lead actor is mentioned, the creative team says they have somebody in mind who would not only star as Roosevelt but would also be an executive producer. Somebody who would come into both roles would likely be a reasonably big name, as unknowns don’t usually get executive producer credits to sweeten the pot. A known actor in both of those positions would likely be a big help in getting the project off the ground as well.
Roosevelt’s life is full of great moments of action and drama that would probably make for great TV. In 1898, when Roosevelt was Assistant Secretary for the Navy, he resigned his position in order to fight in the Spanish-American War. There he led the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, more commonly known as the Rough Riders. In 1912, while running for President, he was shot in the chest. He was saved by the 50-page speech he had in his pocket, though the bullet still pierced his body. He decided to give the speech before going to the hospital. Seriously, this guy was a real life action hero.
Roosevelt has been portrayed on film a number of times previously, though the most well-known version is likely Robin Williams’ Roosevelt by way of wax dummy from the Night at the Museum films.
Showtime’s experience making historical shows usually goes heavy on the dramatic and light on the history with shows like The Tudors or The Borgias. We think Teddy’s life is dramatic enough that little embellishment is necessary.
This potential series is still in the very early stages so time will tell if the project makes it to production. We’ll certainly tune in for the Battle of San Juan Hill episode if nothing else. Who would you like to see play Theodore Roosevelt?
