Genius: MLK/X — Official Trailer

added: Thu, Jan 11th '24

The interconnected journeys of civil rights icons Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X serve as the foundation for this new National Geographic limited series. The drama is a part of the ongoing historical anthology known as "Genius," which explores the lives of pivotal historical figures.

"Genius: MLK/X" stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. (known for his starring roles in "Chevalier" and "Waves") as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Aaron Pierre (from "Foe" and "The Underground Railroad") as Malcolm X. The eight-episode drama delves into the lives of these two remarkable individuals, examining their individual philosophies and accomplishments within the context of the 1960s civil rights movement in America.

Executive produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard under their "Imagine" production banner, the mini-series also includes performances by Weruche Opia, Jayme Lawson, and the late actor Ron Cephas Jones in one of his final roles. The cast also features guest appearances by Lennie James, LisaGay Hamilton, Elle Lorraine, Margaret Avery, Jalyn Hall, Gbenga Akinnagbe, and Donal Logue.

The pilot episode is written by Jeff Stetson ("The Meeting") and directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples ("Miss Juneteenth"). The premiere episode is set to air on ABC simultaneously with the National Geographic channel on February 1st. It will also be available for streaming on both Disney Plus and Hulu the following day. Check out the newly-released trailer to get a glimpse of this highly-anticipated series.

synopsis:
GENIUS: MLK/X explores simultaneously the formative years, pioneering accomplishments, dueling philosophies and key personal relationships of both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre). While King advanced racial equality through nonviolent activism, X advocated for Black empowerment, identity and self-determination. The eight-part series also brings their wives, Coretta Scott King (Weruche Opia) and Betty Shabazz (Jayme Lawson), to the forefront and shows them as formidable equals of the Movement. While King and X met only once and often challenged each other's views, the two visionaries, with their wives leading by their sides, ultimately rose to pioneer a movement that lives on today.

directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples (premiere episode)

starring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Aaron Pierre, Weruche Opia, Jayme Lawson, Ron Cephas Jones, Lennie James, LisaGay Hamilton, Elle Lorraine, Margaret Avery, Jalyn Hall, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Donal Logue

release date February 1, 2024 (premiere on ABC and National Geographic; Stream the Next Day on Both Disney Plus and Hulu)