Disney+ and Nat Geo’s ‘Genius: MLK/X’ Sets Ensemble Cast
thewrap.comDisney+ and National Geographic’s anthology series has found the ensemble cast of its upcoming “Genius: MLK/X.” Portraying the pioneering leaders of the Civil Rights Movement are Kelvin Harrison Jr. (“Waves,” “Elvis”) as Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr., Aaron Pierre (“The Underground Railroad”) as Malcolm X, Weruche Opia (“I May Destroy You”) as Coretta Scott King and Jayme Lawson (“The Batman”) as Betty Shabazz.Principal photography will begin next month in Atlanta.“We are beyond excited to have put together the incredible foursome of Kelvin, Aaron, Jayme and Weruche to bring the depth, complexity, and humanity to these indelible icons,” executive producers Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood said in a statement. “They are all next level in their chops and their passion to tell this story.”As previously announced, in a first for the franchise, Season 4 of the Emmy-winning show (which has in the past focused on Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and Aretha Franklin) will center on two iconic geniuses: Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. “Genius: MLK/X” will explore the formative years, pioneering accomplishments, dueling philosophies and key personal relationships between the Reverend and the Nation of Islam leader.
The logline of the series continues: “While King advanced racial equality through nonviolent protest, Malcolm X argued forcefully for Black empowerment, identity and self-determination.
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