Genius: Geoffrey Rush cast as Albert Einstein in National Geographic series

Geoffrey Rush is set to play Albert Einstein in National Geographic Channel’s first scripted series, Genius.

The 10-episode anthology series will follow how Einstein — who couldn’t get a teaching job or his doctorate — was able to solve some of the universe’s biggest mysteries. Each episode will explore not just his scientific achievements, but also his complex personal relationships.

Musician and actor Johnny Flynn is also joining the cast as young Einstein. Ron Howard will serve as an executive producer and is set to direct the first episode of the series, which each season will follow the story of a different innovator.

“The caliber of the Genius cast lives up to the show’s title,” said Carolyn Bernstein, National Geographic Channel’s executive vice president and head of global scripted development and production. “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.”

Rush, who is returning for the upcoming fifth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean, is one of the few actors to win an Academy Award, Emmy, and Tony.