Every season, the anthology series “Genius” turns its focus to another legendary artist or thinker, giving audiences a detailed look into the life and career of the icon. And along with focusing on the likes of Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso as subjects for its first two seasons, “Genius” also ensures that an A-list talent stars in the title role, such as Geoffrey Rush and Antonio Banderas, respectively. For the third season, “Genius: Aretha” has kept with that trend, bringing on one of the most talented actresses in the world to bring the story of Aretha Franklin to life.
National Geographic has announced that Cynthia Erivo has signed on to portray Aretha Franklin in the upcoming third season of “Genius.” Erivo is probably best known for her recent film roles in projects like “Widows,” “Bad Times at the El Royale,” and the upcoming “Harriet.” However, she’s also an accomplished singer and stage actress winning both a Grammy and a Tony award for her work.
“Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl,” said Erivo. “Her strength, passion and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon.”
She continued, “To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity and brilliance, is an honor. What I know and have learned about what my voice, as an artist, can do and the power in it has been highly influenced by Franklin. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of the sharing of her genius.”
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Executive producer Brian Grazer is also excited to have the multi-talented Erivo lead the new season of the Emmy-winning series.
“Cynthia Erivo blew me away,” said Grazer. “Not only is she an incredible and bona fide star, but she is soulful and has tremendous depth as a musical artist. Cynthia is the perfect person to portray the profoundly human story behind the genius that is Aretha.”
“Genius: Aretha” is set to begin production in November and National Geographic is hoping for a spring 2020 release date for the series. As mentioned, Erivo will next be seen in the Harriet Tubman biopic, “Harriet,” which arrives in theaters on November 1.
