Edwin Stanton is the driven Secretary of War at the center of Manhunt — the man who, in the chaotic days after Abraham Lincoln's assassination, leads the desperate hunt for John Wilkes Booth while trying to hold the fragile Union and Lincoln's vision of Reconstruction together. Grief-stricken, ailing, and relentless, Stanton pursues justice as both a personal mission and a matter of national survival.
His arc, adapted from James L. Swanson's book, frames the manhunt as a political thriller about what — and who — really drove the conspiracy, and what was lost when Lincoln died. Stanton's dogged investigation becomes a fight for the soul of the post-war nation, shadowed by his own failing health and the enormity of the stakes.
Tobias Menzies brings weary intensity and moral conviction to the grieving statesman.
Key Episodes
S1 E1
Pilot
Stanton launches the manhunt for Booth in the wake of Lincoln's assassination.
S1 E7
The Final Act
Stanton's pursuit and his fight for Reconstruction reach their reckoning.
Edwin Stanton is one of the central figures in Manhunt, a historical/drama/thriller series that aired on Apple TV+ from 2024. Within the narrative of Manhunt, Edwin Stanton serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Limited series. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Tobias Menzies, Edwin Stanton has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Tobias Menzies's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Tobias Menzies's work has been recognized with 1 major award, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Tobias Menzies plays Edwin Stanton, the Secretary of War leading the hunt for Booth.
Manhunt is an Apple TV+ limited series about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after Lincoln's assassination, based on James L. Swanson's book.
