Michael Fassbender Transforms into Joe Kennedy Sr. to Film Netflix’s New “Kennedy” Series
Michael Fassbender Transforms into Joe Kennedy Sr. to Film Netflix’s New “Kennedy” Series
Deirdre DurkanTue, April 21, 2026 at 4:01 AM UTC
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Michael Fassbender as Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. on April 20 (left); Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. in 1940 (right)Credit: MCPIX / BACKGRID; Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty -
Michael Fassbender was spotted filming Netflix’s Kennedy series in Liverpool on April 20
The actor transformed into Joe Kennedy Sr. in a trench coat, fedora and round glasses
The historical drama explores the rise and legacy of the Kennedy family, beginning in the 1930s
Michael Fassbender is stepping into history — and the transformation is striking.
On Monday, April 20, Oscar-nominated actor, 49, was spotted filming scenes for Netflix’s upcoming drama series Kennedy in Liverpool, England, where he appeared fully transformed as patriarch Joe Kennedy Sr.
To channel the powerful political figure’s signature style, Fassbender wore a vintage-inspired trench coat layered over a suit and tie. He completed the look with thick, round black glasses and a classic black fedora.
In one scene, he was seen holding a stack of newspapers while standing near a newsstand, surrounded by extras in full period costume.
Michael Fassbender seen aboveCredit: MCPIX / BACKGRID
The series is a deep dive into one of America’s most famous families, exploring the lives, relationships and defining moments that shaped the Kennedy dynasty.
According to the official logline, Kennedy “reveals the intimate lives, loves, rivalries and tragedies that shaped the most iconic dynasty in modern history, and helped create the world we live in today.”
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Beginning in the 1930s, the show follows Kennedy Sr. and his wife Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy as they raise their nine children, including future president John F. Kennedy, while navigating ambition, power and public scrutiny. The story also highlights their second son Jack’s journey as he attempts to step out from the shadow of his older brother.
Fassbender leads the cast as Kennedy Sr., joined by Laura Donnelly as Rose, Nick Robinson as Joe Kennedy Jr., and Joshuah Melnick as JFK. The ensemble also includes Lydia Peckham as Rosemary Kennedy and Saura Lightfoot-Leon as Kick Kennedy, along with recurring stars like Ben Miles, Cole Doman and Imogen Poots.
Fassbender as Joe Kennedy Sr.Credit: CJ.PICCS / BACKGRID
Inspired by Fredrik Logevall’s book JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917–1956, the historical drama aims to go beyond the headlines and explore the personal dynamics behind the family’s public legacy.
“The story of the Kennedys is the closest we have to American mythology — somewhere between Shakespeare and The Bold and the Beautiful,” showrunner Sam Shaw said in a statement to Netflix’s Tudum. “But Fredrik Logevall’s stunning, nuanced biography pulls a veil on the human strivings and burdens behind the myth.”
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Production on the series is currently underway, with filming taking place across the U.K. There is no official release date yet for the eight-episode drama.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
