Netflix’s highly anticipated prestige period drama, Kennedy, has offered its most revealing glimpse yet into production with a new collection of behind-the-scenes photographs. These images showcase acclaimed actor Michael Fassbender fully immersed in the formidable persona of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., the patriarch of America’s most iconic political dynasty. The exclusive shots, following Netflix’s initial official release weeks prior, provide compelling evidence of the series’ meticulous historical recreation and the transformative power of its lead actor. Filming, which commenced in early January across the United Kingdom, continues to make significant progress, with recent scenes captured against the meticulously dressed backdrop of Liverpool.
The decision to dramatize the Kennedy saga on a grand scale underscores Netflix’s ongoing commitment to high-budget historical productions, a strategy that has previously yielded critical and commercial success with series like The Crown. The narrative scope of Kennedy promises an intimate yet sweeping exploration of the family’s ascent, beginning in the tumultuous 1930s. It aims to unravel the complex tapestry of lives, loves, rivalries, and tragedies that not only defined the Kennedys but also profoundly shaped the modern world. Central to this narrative is the unlikely rise of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including the rebellious second son, Jack, whose journey is marked by a constant struggle to emerge from the shadow of his elder, golden-boy brother.
Production Underway: Liverpool Doubles for 1940s America
Production for Kennedy has been robustly underway for several months, with the latest filming block transporting cast and crew to the historic city of Liverpool. This vibrant English port city has proven to be an exceptionally versatile and convincing stand-in for 1940s America, a testament to the production design team’s ingenuity and the city’s rich architectural heritage. Specifically, scenes were shot adjacent to the iconic Liver Building, a prominent landmark that, with careful period dressing, seamlessly evokes the bustling urban landscapes of mid-20th century American metropolises. While London has served as a primary filming hub for the series, the recent venture to Liverpool highlights the production’s expansive logistical footprint across the UK.
The transformation of Liverpool’s streets for the series is nothing short of remarkable. One notable set piece captured in the new photos features a meticulously arranged row of vintage 1940s taxi cabs. These vehicles, including one strikingly rendered in vibrant yellow and red and another in classic yellow and black, are perfectly parked along a streetscape, instantly transporting observers to a bygone era. Such attention to detail in set dressing and props is crucial for establishing the authenticity required of a prestige period drama and is indicative of the significant investment being made in the series’ visual integrity. Production is slated to continue through the spring and into the summer, with a preliminary wrap date targeted for June 5, 2026.
Michael Fassbender’s Embodiment of Joe Kennedy Sr.
The newly released photographs offer the most detailed look yet at Michael Fassbender’s physical transformation into Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. Fassbender, renowned for his intense performances and chameleon-like ability to inhabit complex characters, appears to embody the formidable patriarch with striking accuracy. In the images, he is seen wearing a crisp grey overcoat, a dark fedora, a patterned tie, and distinct, round wire-rimmed glasses – an ensemble that perfectly encapsulates the sartorial elegance and authority associated with wealthy, influential figures of the 1930s and 40s. Several shots show him engaged in an interaction, holding cash and what appears to be a wallet, further cementing his character’s presence in a tangible, everyday scenario.
A central element in these new visuals is a meticulously constructed, vintage green newsstand, serving as a pivotal prop for a key scene. Fassbender’s Joe Kennedy Sr. is depicted purchasing a newspaper, exchanging cash with the vendor. A careful examination of the newsstand’s sandwich board reveals a critical historical clue regarding the scene’s timeline. The displayed New York Post headline starkly reads: "Roosevelt Says ‘SITUATION ON BEACH IS TENSE – WE PRAY’." This direct reference unequivocally points to the tense days surrounding the D-Day landings in Normandy, which commenced on June 6, 1944. This specific historical anchor not only grounds the scene within a precise moment of global significance but also offers insight into the narrative’s progression, suggesting the series will delve into the Kennedy family’s experiences and perspectives during World War II. Joe Kennedy Sr.’s stance on American intervention in the war was notably controversial, aligning with an isolationist viewpoint that would later complicate his political legacy and relations with President Roosevelt. This particular scene hints at the series’ willingness to explore these nuanced and often contentious aspects of his life.
An Expansive Ensemble: Bringing History to Life
While Michael Fassbender was the only principal cast member spotted on set during this particular Liverpool shoot, the broader cast list for Kennedy is extensive, featuring a formidable array of talent tasked with bringing the iconic dynasty and its surrounding historical figures to life. Laura Donnelly stars as Rose Kennedy, the matriarch whose unwavering faith and steely resolve held the family together amidst public scrutiny and private tragedies. Nick Robinson takes on the role of Joe Kennedy Jr., the ambitious elder brother whose promising political career was cut short, profoundly impacting the family’s trajectory. Joshua Melnick portrays Jack Kennedy, the charming and intelligent second son who would eventually assume the mantle of his family’s political aspirations.
The series is further enriched by an expansive ensemble of recurring roles, breathing life into a vast network of family members and major historical personalities. Among the Kennedy children, Georgina Bitmead plays Eunice Kennedy, Lydia Peckham as Rosemary Kennedy, and Saura Lightfoot-Leon alongside Miley Locke as Kick Kennedy and Younger Kick Kennedy, respectively. These portrayals are crucial for illustrating the intricate family dynamics, individual struggles, and collective ambitions that characterized the Kennedy clan.
Beyond the immediate family, Kennedy boasts an impressive roster of actors portraying iconic mid-century figures, highlighting the family’s deep entanglements with the political and social elite of the era. Toby Huss steps into the shoes of Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose presidency spanned much of the period covered by the first season and whose relationship with Joe Kennedy Sr. was famously fraught. Albert Welling portrays Winston Churchill, the formidable British Prime Minister, underscoring Joe Sr.’s pivotal diplomatic role as U.S. Ambassador to the UK during a critical pre-war period. Robin Soans plays Neville Chamberlain, the British Prime Minister known for his policy of appeasement. Wyatt Russell takes on the role of Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator whose isolationist views during WWII mirrored some of Joe Kennedy Sr.’s controversial opinions. Eddie Marsan embodies J. Edgar Hoover, the powerful and often shadowy director of the FBI, suggesting the series will explore the undercurrents of power and surveillance. Caitlin FitzGerald portrays Clare Boothe Luce, a prominent playwright, journalist, and politician, while Imogen Poots steps into the shoes of Hollywood icon Gloria Swanson, with whom Joe Kennedy Sr. famously had a relationship, showcasing the intersection of politics, power, and celebrity.
Rounding out this sweeping recurring cast are Cole Doman as Lem Billings, Jack Kennedy’s lifelong friend; Patrick Fischler as Arthur Krock, a prominent journalist; Hera Hilmar as Inga Arvad, a Danish journalist with whom Joe Kennedy Jr. had a relationship; Louis Landau as Billy Cavendish; Ben Miles as Eddie Moore; Denis O’Hare as Raymond Furness; and Tipper Seifert-Cleveland as Younger Tipper Seifert-Cleveland. The sheer breadth of this cast underscores the series’ ambition to paint a comprehensive and historically rich portrait of an era through the lens of one extraordinary family.
Thematic Depths and Historical Resonance
Kennedy is poised to delve into themes of ambition, power, loyalty, and the often-destructive nature of public life. Joe Kennedy Sr.’s narrative is particularly fertile ground for such exploration. A self-made millionaire with a formidable business acumen, his ambition for his children, particularly his sons, to achieve political greatness became the driving force of his later life. However, his own political career was marred by controversy, particularly his pre-war isolationism and alleged antisemitic remarks, which led to his resignation as Ambassador to the UK in 1940. The series has the opportunity to explore these complex layers, offering a nuanced portrayal of a man who was both a visionary and deeply flawed.
The dramatic interplay between the public facade and the private struggles of the Kennedy family is a central promise of the series. From Joe Sr.’s alleged extramarital affairs to Rosemary Kennedy’s lobotomy and Joe Jr.’s untimely death in combat, the family endured profound personal tragedies alongside their public triumphs. The series’ synopsis explicitly mentions "intimate lives, loves, rivalries and tragedies," suggesting a focus on the emotional core of these events and their impact on individual family members.
For Netflix, Kennedy represents a significant investment in its prestige content library, aimed at attracting and retaining subscribers in a highly competitive streaming landscape. The enduring fascination with the Kennedy dynasty, almost six decades after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, ensures a built-in audience. However, the challenge for any historical drama lies in balancing factual accuracy with compelling storytelling. The production’s meticulous attention to period detail, as evidenced by the Liverpool set photos and the specific D-Day headline, suggests a strong commitment to historical authenticity. This commitment is crucial for a story of such cultural and historical weight, where discrepancies can quickly draw criticism.
The casting of Michael Fassbender as Joe Kennedy Sr. is a strategic choice that signals the series’ intent for a deeply complex character study. Fassbender has consistently demonstrated an ability to convey internal turmoil and moral ambiguity, qualities essential for portraying a figure as multifaceted as Joe Sr. His presence elevates the series, lending it immediate gravitas and signaling a performance likely to be both compelling and challenging for audiences.
Ultimately, Kennedy has the potential to reignite public interest in this pivotal period of American history and the family that dominated its political landscape. By focusing on the foundational generation of Joe and Rose Kennedy, the series can provide crucial context for understanding the subsequent triumphs and tragedies that cemented the family’s place in the American psyche. As production progresses towards its anticipated wrap date, these tantalizing glimpses from the set only amplify the anticipation for what promises to be a powerful and meticulously crafted historical drama.
