Geoffrey Rush will play Albert Einstein in “Genius,” the first scripted series from National Geographic Channel, TheWrap has learned.
The anthology series will also star Johnny Flynn as the famous scientist. The first season is based on Walter Isaacson‘s definitive biography of Einstein, and the pilot will be directed by Ron Howard.
“The caliber of the ‘Genius’ cast lives up to the show’s title,” Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president and head of global scripted development and production, National Geographic Channel, said in a statement. “The supremely talented Geoffrey Rush is dream casting for the role of Albert Einstein, and Johnny Flynn not only is an incredible talent but also bears more than a passing resemblance to Rush. We couldn’t be more excited to get them to work with Ron and the rest of the team.”
The 10-episode season will follow how an imaginative, rebellious patent clerk who couldn’t get a teaching job or a doctorate unlocked the mysteries of the atom and the universe. Each episode will explore Einstein’s extraordinary scientific achievements, along with his volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships.
The project hails from from Fox 21 Television Studios, Imagine Television, OddLot Entertainment and EUE/Sokolow. Ken Biller will serve as showrunner and co-executive producer.
The series will be executive produced by Imagine’s Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Francie Calfo, and co-produced by Anna Culp. OddLot Entertainment’s Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane will executive produce and Melissa Rucker will co-produce. Sam Sokolow and Jeff Cooney from EUE/Sokolow will also executive produce.