Academy Award-, Golden Globe-, Emmy- and Tony-winning actor Geoffrey Rush (The Kings Speech, Pirates of the Caribbean, Shine) has been cast in National Geographic Channel’s upcoming global anthology series Genius, from Fox 21 Television Studios (“Homeland,” “The People v. O.J. Simpson”), Imagine Television (“24,” “Empire”), OddLot Entertainment and EUE/Sokolow.
Rush will star as Albert Einstein in the first-ever scripted series for the network. The story is based on Walter Isaacson’s critically acclaimed biography of the celebrated scientist, and the first episode will be directed by Imagine’s Ron Howard, his first time directing a scripted prime-time drama. Production begins next month in Prague, and will air in 2017 on the National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages.
Said Howard in a statement: “National Geographic’s unwavering commitment to excellence and their support and passion for this project has helped us attract talent such as Geoffrey and Johnny. My excitement for this project grows every day, and I cannot wait to get started.”
Production on Genius begins next month in Prague ahead of a 2017 premiere.
