Genius: MLK/X Showrunners Share Behind-The-Scenes Motivations and The Impact of Filming in Atlanta

In a recent interview, showrunners Raphael Jackson Jr. and Damione Macedon, of the award-winning anthology series Genius: MLK/X, shed light on their behind-the-scenes motivations and how filming in Atlanta shaped the show. The duo’s remarks offer intriguing insights into the making of the fourth season, which paralleled and contrasted the life journeys of two prominent Black leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

Behind-the-Scenes Motivations

When asked about their goals or game plan going into MLK/X, Macedon explained that they initially thought they knew enough about the headlined characters to guide the story. However, a meeting with a think tank of academic scholars, who have studied the lives of Martin and Malcolm extensively and in some cases knew them personally, quickly unveiled their limited knowledge. This deepened their curiosity about the human side of these iconic figures and fueled their determination to explore this less-known aspect in the series.

Jackson Jr. emphasized that the landmark influences of the characters’ parents, particularly the mothers, molded them into the personalities they became. The showrunners sought to highlight this significant impact on the characters’ lives and the choices they made.

The Casting Process

When questioned on how Kelvin Harrison, Jr. (Martin Luther King Jr.), Aaron Pierre (Malcolm X), Weruche Opia (Coretta Scott King), and Jayme Lawson (Betty Shabazz) came to embody these historical figures, the showrunners lauded the actors’ devotion to the characters. They appreciated their immense passion and diligence in studying their roles, their bringing fresh ideas to the table, and their contribution to enhancing the stories discussed in the writers’ room.

Impact of Filming In Atlanta

The showrunners also credited Atlanta for the invaluable assistance in creating the show. Despite the need to portray diverse locations in the series, the production strategically filmed the entire show in Atlanta, turning the city into a multipurpose filming location. Macedon praised the local community for their immense knowledge and engagement with both the Civil Rights Movement and the life stories of Martin and Malcolm.

Moreover, real connections to the historical moments portrayed in the series were mirrored for the crew through the experiences of older Atlanta residents who served as extras. These individuals had firsthand experiences of the Civil Rights Movement, making their involvement significantly contribute to the authenticity of the series.

The showrunners’ insights not only illustrate the complexity of creating a series that explores the lives of great figures but also demonstrate how locations and communities play a significant role in shaping the narrative. All eight episodes of Genius: MLK/X are now available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.