Geoffrey Rush channels Albert Einstein in Genius trailer

According to the trailer for Genius, being one of the greatest minds in history comes with plenty of questions and problems.

In an exclusive first look at National Geographic Channel’s new anthology series, Academy Award-winner Geoffrey Rush channels Albert Einstein, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist. The upcoming series, which is set to debut in April, follows the brilliant scientist through the ups and downs of his life, from failing to get his doctorate to developing the general theory of relativity.

Based on Walter Isaacson’s best-selling book, Einstein: His Life and Universe, the first season will also star Johnny Flynn (Lovesick) as young Einstein; Emily Watson (The Theory of Everything) as his second wife, Elsa; Seth Gabel (Fringe) as the scientist’s long-time friend, Michele Besso; and Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men) as Raymond Geist, a consulate official in Berlin, Germany.

Brian Grazer and Ron Howard are executive producers on the series, with the A Beautiful Mind helmer making his scripted television directorial debut with the first episode. While the first season of Genius will tell Einstein’s story, each season of the anthology series will follow a different innovator.

Watch the trailer above.