‘MLK/X,’ the fourth installment of Disney+ and National Geographic’s period drama anthology series ‘Genius,’ has set its lead cast: Kelvin Harrison Jr. will play Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Aaron Pierre will play Malcolm X, Weruche Opia will play Coretta Scott King and Jayme Lawson will play Betty Shabazz.
“Genius: MLK/X” will explore the formative years, pioneering accomplishments, dueling philosophies and key personal relationships of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. While King advanced racial equality through nonviolent protest, Malcolm X argued forcefully for Black empowerment, identity and self-determination. With their formidable wives, Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz, by their sides, King and Malcolm X became synonymous with the civil rights era and the fight for racial and economic justice.
Harrison is best known for “It Comes at Night,” “Waves” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” Pierre has starred in “The Underground Railroad” and “Old.” Opia’s credits include “I May Destroy You,” while Lawson has appeared in “The Batman,” “The First Lady” and “The Woman King.”
Channing Godfrey Peoples has been set as the director of the pilot and will co-executive produce the season, which is set to begin shooting in Atlanta in October. 20th Television, Imagine Television and Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Undisputed Cinema produce.
More to come…