New behind-the-scenes photographs have emerged from the set of Netflix’s highly anticipated biographical series, Kennedy, offering the most comprehensive look yet at Michael Fassbender’s transformation into the formidable patriarch, Joe Kennedy Sr. These latest visuals, captured during filming in Liverpool, United Kingdom, underscore the production’s meticulous commitment to historical authenticity and provide a compelling preview of the prestige period drama. The images follow an initial official shot released by Netflix weeks prior, building anticipation for a series poised to explore one of modern history’s most iconic and complex families.
Meticulous Period Recreation: Liverpool Doubles as 1940s America
Production for the Kennedy series has been actively underway since early January, primarily based in London, before recently relocating to Liverpool for specific sequences. The choice of Liverpool as a filming location is a testament to its architectural versatility and ability to convincingly double for 1940s America. The latest images notably feature the historic Liver Building, a distinctive landmark on Liverpool’s waterfront, serving as a backdrop. The production team has gone to significant lengths to transform the surrounding streets, creating an immersive mid-century American ambiance.
Among the striking visual elements captured are rows of impeccably restored vintage 1940s taxi cabs. One vehicle stands out with its vibrant yellow and red livery, while another sports a classic yellow and black scheme, both perfectly aligning with the aesthetic of mid-century American urban transport. These details, though seemingly minor, are crucial in establishing the series’ period accuracy and transporting viewers to the tumultuous decades depicted. The commitment to such fine points suggests a production aiming for a level of historical immersion akin to Netflix’s other highly acclaimed historical dramas.
A Glimpse into History: D-Day and the Wartime Backdrop
Central to the newly released images is Michael Fassbender in character as Joe Kennedy Sr., impeccably dressed in a crisp grey overcoat, a dark fedora, a patterned tie, and distinct round wire-rimmed glasses, embodying the persona of a powerful and influential figure. In several shots, Fassbender is seen engaging with his surroundings, handling cash and a wallet, adding a layer of authenticity to his portrayal.
A particularly revealing prop featured in the photographs is a vintage green newsstand. Fassbender’s character is depicted purchasing a newspaper, exchanging currency with the vendor. A close inspection of the newsstand’s sandwich board unveils a critical historical clue regarding the timeline of the scene. The New York Post headline prominently reads: "Roosevelt Says ‘SITUATION ON BEACH IS TENSE – WE PRAY’." This direct quote, attributed to then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is an unmistakable reference to the D-Day landings in Normandy, which commenced on June 6, 1944. This detail firmly places the scene within the intense days surrounding one of World War II’s most pivotal moments, indicating that the first season will delve deeply into the Kennedy family’s experiences and interactions during this globally transformative era.
The presence of background actors and co-stars further enriches the period setting. Men in sharp pinstriped and navy double-breasted suits, often smoking cigarettes, are seen alongside women adorned in elegant, structured coats and stylish hats, carrying period-appropriate portfolios and handbags. Even military personnel in naval uniforms are visible in the background, collectively painting a vivid picture of American life during the 1940s, a period marked by both the anxieties and resolve of a nation at war.
Unpacking the Narrative: The Kennedy Dynasty’s Ascent
The official synopsis provided by Netflix offers a compelling overview of the series’ ambitious scope: "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. Beginning in the 1930s, the first season charts the improbable ascent of Joe and Rose Kennedy and their nine children, including rebellious second son Jack, who struggles to escape the shadow of his golden boy older brother."
This narrative framework promises a deep dive into the complex dynamics within the Kennedy family, exploring not just their public personas but also the private struggles, ambitions, and personal sacrifices that characterized their journey. Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. (portrayed by Fassbender) was a controversial and immensely wealthy businessman, investor, and politician, whose career included serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1938 to 1940. His strong isolationist views and perceived defeatism regarding Britain’s ability to withstand Nazi Germany during World War II put him at odds with President Roosevelt and ultimately led to his resignation. The series is expected to explore these contentious aspects of his life, along with his relentless drive to establish a political dynasty, particularly through his sons.
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy (played by Laura Donnelly) will be depicted as the resilient and devout matriarch, whose faith and strength were instrumental in navigating the family’s public triumphs and private tragedies. The rivalry between the "golden boy" eldest son, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (Nick Robinson), and the "rebellious second son" John F. Kennedy (Joshua Melnick) is a cornerstone of the family’s early history, with Joe Jr.’s premature death in World War II profoundly impacting JFK’s path to political prominence. The series aims to illuminate these pivotal moments and relationships, providing context for the family’s enduring legacy.
The Star-Studded Ensemble: Bringing Historical Icons to Life
Beyond the core family, Kennedy boasts an expansive ensemble cast tasked with portraying a gallery of major historical figures and family members, underscoring the series’ broad historical canvas. Georgina Bitmead will portray Eunice Kennedy, Lydia Peckham as Rosemary Kennedy, and Saura Lightfoot-Leon alongside Miley Locke as Kick Kennedy and Younger Kick Kennedy, respectively.
The series is further populated by a remarkable roster of iconic mid-century figures, each crucial to the political and social landscape of the era. Toby Huss steps into the formidable shoes of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the U.S. President during much of the period covered. Albert Welling portrays Winston Churchill, the iconic British Prime Minister, while Robin Soans takes on Neville Chamberlain, Churchill’s predecessor. Wyatt Russell embodies Charles Lindbergh, the pioneering aviator whose isolationist views and controversial statements made him a prominent, albeit polarizing, figure. Eddie Marsan plays J. Edgar Hoover, the long-serving and powerful director of the FBI. Caitlin FitzGerald portrays Clare Boothe Luce, a prominent playwright, journalist, and politician, and Imogen Poots takes on the role of Gloria Swanson, the legendary Hollywood actress.
Rounding out the sweeping recurring cast are Cole Doman as Lem Billings, a lifelong friend of JFK; Patrick Fischler as Arthur Krock, a prominent journalist; Hera Hilmar as Inga Arvad, a Danish journalist linked to JFK; Louis Landau as Billy Cavendish; Ben Miles as Eddie Moore, a close associate of Joe Kennedy Sr.; Denis O’Hare as Raymond Furness; and Tipper Seifert-Cleveland as Younger Tipper Seifert-Cleveland. The sheer breadth of this cast highlights the series’ ambition to not only tell the story of the Kennedy family but also to meticulously reconstruct the intricate web of personal and political relationships that defined the mid-20th century.
Netflix’s Vision: Crafting a New Prestige Period Drama
The Kennedy series aligns perfectly with Netflix’s established strategy of investing heavily in high-quality, globally appealing prestige period dramas. Following the immense success and critical acclaim of The Crown, which chronicled the British royal family, Kennedy appears poised to offer a similar deep dive into another globally recognized and historically significant dynasty. These productions often feature lavish sets, authentic costumes, and complex narratives, drawing in a vast international audience eager for historical insights presented with dramatic flair.
The evident dedication to historical accuracy, from the period-specific vehicles and costumes to the precise news headlines, underscores the production’s ambition to create a series that is both entertaining and historically resonant. Such attention to detail is crucial for a story as well-documented and scrutinized as that of the Kennedys, where historical inaccuracies can quickly draw criticism. The choice of the UK as a primary filming location, leveraging its skilled crews, diverse architectural heritage, and robust production infrastructure, also reflects a common practice for large-scale historical dramas seeking both authenticity and efficiency.
Production Milestones and Anticipated Release
With filming having commenced in early January and now extending across various locations in the UK, the production is slated to continue through the spring and into the summer months. The preliminary wrap date for filming is set for June 5th, 2026. This extensive production timeline suggests a comprehensive and ambitious shooting schedule, necessary for a series of this historical scope and character count.
Following the wrap, the series will undergo a significant post-production phase, involving editing, visual effects, sound design, and musical scoring. While no official release date has been announced, a production of this magnitude, wrapping in June 2026, would typically aim for a premiere in late 2026 or early 2027. This timing would allow ample time for the meticulous finishing touches required for a high-caliber Netflix original.
The Enduring Legacy and Future Expectations
The Kennedy series arrives at a time of renewed interest in American political history and the enduring fascination with the Kennedy family. Their story — a blend of privilege, power, glamour, tragedy, and political ambition — continues to captivate audiences worldwide. By focusing on the family’s origins and their experiences during the tumultuous 1930s and 1940s, the first season promises to lay a foundational understanding of the forces that shaped future presidents and political figures.
The portrayal of Joe Kennedy Sr. by Michael Fassbender, an actor renowned for his intense and nuanced performances, is particularly anticipated. His ability to convey complex characters with depth suggests a nuanced depiction of a figure often viewed through a polarizing lens. The series is expected to offer insights into the patriarch’s controversial decisions, his relentless pursuit of power, and his profound influence on his children’s destinies, all set against the backdrop of global war and societal change.
As the production continues, these behind-the-scenes glimpses serve to heighten anticipation for what promises to be a significant addition to Netflix’s growing library of prestige historical dramas. The Kennedy series is not merely a retelling of well-known events but an ambitious attempt to delve into the intimate human drama behind the public façade of America’s most famous political dynasty, offering viewers a fresh and detailed perspective on the lives that helped shape the modern world.
