Disney+ and National Geographic have announced the leads for Genius: MLK/X, the fourth installment of the Emmy-winning anthology series about trailblazing figures throughout history.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Godfather of Harlem) will play Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the fourth season of the series and Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad) is set to portray Malcolm X. (L-R Harrison and Pierre are shown above).
The new season “will explore the formative years, pioneering accomplishments, dueling philosophies and key personal relationships of MLK (Harrison Jr.) and Malcolm X (Pierre),” according to the official announcement. “While King advanced racial equality through nonviolent protest, Malcolm X argued forcefully for Black empowerment, identity and self-determination.”
Related Story: Cynthia Erivo Sings ‘Chain of Fools’ in Trailer for ‘Genius: Aretha’
Additional cast members include Weruche Opia (I May Destroy You) as Coretta Scott King and Jayme Lawson (The Batman) as Betty Shabazz.
Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood serve as executive producers alongside returning executive producers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. The showrunners are Raphael Jackson Jr. and Damione Macedon.
“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,” the Bythewoods said in a statement. “They are all next level in their chops and their passion to tell this story.”
The third season of Genius focused on Aretha Franklin and starred Cynthia Erivo. Previous seasons centered on Albert Einstein and Picasso. The fourth season will stream on Disney+.
The limited series is produced by Imagine Television Studios, 20th Television, and Undisputed Cinema.
Principal photography begins in Atlanta in October 2022.
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