National Geographic has revealed the remaining cast for the fourth installment in the “Genius” anthology series, which is called “Genius: MLX/X” and will focus on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Kelvin Harrison Jr) and Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre).

In a first for the franchise, the new season will focus on two iconic geniuses: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The fourth season will explore the formative years, pioneering accomplishments, duelling 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. While they met only once and often challenged each other’s views, neither would have been as successful without the other.

With three seasons of the critically acclaimed series garnering 20 Emmy nominations and premiering on National Geographic, “Genius” will move to Disney+ for the fourth installment and subsequent seasons.

It was previously announced that Weruche Opia and Jayme Lawson. Lennie James (The Walking Dead), LisaGay Hamilton (Lincoln Lawyer), Ashley Romans (Y: The Last Man), Donal Logue (Departure) and Griffin Matthews (The Flight Attendant) will star in the series.

Deadline has revealed that Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us), Gary Carr (The Peripheral) and Hubert Point-Du Jour (The Good Lord Bird) are going to be series regulars on the next season.

Ron Cephas Jones will play the role of Elijah Muhammad, who is the leader of the Nation of Islam. Powerful, confident, and complicated, he is a teacher and mentor of Malcolm X and referred to humbly all members of the NOI as “The Honorable One”.  Ron Cephas Jones  has previously starred in “This is Us“.

While Gary Carr will be playing the role of Clyde X, an official at Temple Number 7 in Harlem and Elijah Muhammad’s trusted confidant. Clyde is the eyes and ears in NYC, a position he is deeply proud of.  Clyde’s history is one crowded in mystery, stints in prison and time in the army only help to cast a shadow of a man who carries a menacing presence.  But one thing that is clear is his deep loyalty to the Nation of Islam and his leader, the honorable Elijah Muhammad.  Clyde is impressed but also secretly jealous of Malcolm X’s success and especially of Elijah’s trust and love for him. Clyde likes consistency and order. Challenges to the chain of command disturb him.  Gary Carr has previously starred in “The Peripheral”.

And Hubert Point-Du Jour will be playing Ralph Abernathy, a Baptist minister and Civil Rights leader in the sixties. Ralph is a man of principle with a deeply rooted sense of justice.  Hubert Point-Du Jour has previously starred in “Dr. Death” and “City On A Hill”.

The showrunners and executive producers for “Genius: MLK/X” are Raphael Jackson, Jr. and Damione Macedon (“The Mosquito Coast,” “Power”), Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Jeff Stetson is penning the pilot. Francie Calfo (“Genius,” “Empire”) and Anna Culp (“Genius,” “Under the Banner of Heaven”), will also be executive producers.

The previous three seasons of “Genius” are available to stream on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ around the world.

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

View all posts