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HomeWalt Disney CompanyBehind the Scenes of National Geographic's Genius: MLK/X

Behind the Scenes of National Geographicโ€™s Genius: MLK/X

In a first for the franchise, National Geographicโ€™s Emmyยฎ Award-winning Genius anthology series profiles two towering figures from American historyโ€”Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Premiering February 1, 2024, Genius: MLK/X presents an emotional, nuanced, and timely docudrama exploring how these visionaries shaped the Civil Rights Movement through different approaches yet shared goals.

In Genius: MLK/X, Martin Luther King Jr., played by Kelvin Harrison Jr., marches in protest.

Two Icons, One Vision

Set to debut with a special broadcast on ABC and two-episode drops every Thursday on National Geographic, the eight-part series offers a compelling dual narrative. It follows both Dr. King (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre) from childhood through their transformative activism. Their differing ideologiesโ€”nonviolence versus revolutionโ€”sparked debate, yet both leaders dreamed of freedom, equality, and dignity for Black Americans.

In Genius: MLK/X, Coretta Scott King, played by Weruche Opia, screams in her kitchen.

As executive producer Gina Prince-Bythewood explained during a post-screening Q&A, the story highlights how the two menโ€™s philosophies began to align near the end of their lives. โ€œThey were both integral to the Movement,โ€ she noted. โ€œThey had the same goal, just different ways of going about it.โ€

Authenticity in Performance

Portraying historical figures with such weight and complexity is no small task. Both Harrison and Pierre approached their roles with humility and deep research. Harrison admitted to initial self-doubt, but he leaned into Kingโ€™s own vulnerability and youth. Pierre, too, immersed himself in Malcolm Xโ€™s life story to find truth and authenticity in every scene.

Their performances are complemented by Weruche Opia and Jayme Lawson, who portray Coretta Scott King and Dr. Betty Shabazz. Both actresses emphasized the importance of honoring the often-overlooked roles these women played, offering depth, emotion, and humanity to the larger narrative.

In Genius: MLK/X, Betty X, played by Jayme Lawson, talks on the phone.

Expanding the Civil Rights Conversation

Executive producer Jeff Stetson, whose acclaimed play The Meeting inspired the series.  She believes the show helps break down simplistic comparisons between the two leaders. โ€œNo revolutionary can be a revolutionary without understanding the vision of a dreamโ€.  He said, urging audiences to see beyond the binary.

From detailed personal moments to sweeping historical events.  Genius: MLK/X treats its subjects with care, reverence, and depth. As Prince-Bythewood put it, the series โ€œtakes them off the T-shirtsโ€ to reveal the real menโ€”and their familiesโ€”behind the legacy.

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