Martin Luther King Jr. has always been a fascinating subject for Hollywood, with attempts to keep his legacy alive on the silver screen even after his tragic death. The recent Disney and National Geographic Genius docudrama is continuing this tradition, bringing to life not only Malcolm X but also the iconic Martin Luther King Jr in their latest MLK/X.
Although this would be the first time the civil rights activist would be portrayed on screen, actors over the years have time and again brought him to life. Thus, here are some of the actors who were fortunate enough to have played the character on screen.
1. Samuel L Jackson
The Avengers actor made his Broadway debut, bringing the character to life in The Mountaintop. The audience who witnessed the magic on stage is likely still in awe because of the sheer elegance Jackson brought to the stage.
2. Anthony Mackie
Anthony Mackie is one of the more recent actors who brought the character to life in the 2016 HBO drama All The Way, depicting the events surrounding the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
He also explained his feelings in a Michel Martin interview by saying,
“I grew up in a house where my dad made sure that Dr. King was a part of our daily existence. And he always described him as a leader of men. And that’s the Dr. King I wanted to portray. And he was a great and shrewd politician. And I don’t think we’ve ever seen that aspect of him on film.”
Mackie indeed did a great job!
3. James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones took on the roles of both Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglass, in the 1982 miniseries Freedom to Speak. This portrayal showcased Jones’s versatility as he captured the essence of the civil rights leader, contributing to the piece that also featured historic figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Sojourner Truth, and Daniel Webster.
4. LeVar Burton
In 2001’s Ali, alongside film lead Will Smith, LeVar Burton briefly portrayed this iconic character. While the film primarily focused on the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson and told the story of the pro boxer Muhammad Ali, Burton shone throughout.
Despite the film’s primary focus on political dynamics, Burton’s contribution to Ali’s story showcased and gave the audience a glimpse into the intricacies of both historical events and the life of Muhammad Ali.
5. Courtney B Vance
Courtney B. Vance got the opportunity in the 2000 television miniseries Parting the Waters. His performance really added depth and authenticity to the narrative of the fight for civil rights. Vance not only captivated audiences with his impactful performance but also helped them understand the challenges and triumphs in the struggle for civil rights
6. Malik Yoba
Similar to this Disney and Nation Geographic Genius feature, there’s another project that narrated the tale of Malcolm X and MLK but through the lens of their wives, titled Betty & Coretta. This is where Yoba played King alongside Angela Bassett. Although the story follows the life of the two wives after tragically losing their husbands, Yoba delivers an impactful performance.
7. David Oyelowo
And last but not least in 2014, David Oyelowo portrayed this activist on the screen in Ava DuVernay’s Selma, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for his incredible performance. Oyelowo’s performance was widely praised because of the approach he took. He went beyond mimicking only King’s speech and mannerisms, but also immersed himself in the character, portraying the internal struggles, and determination of the iconic figure. The film not only highlighted some of the most important moments in the civil rights movement but also dived deep into the emotional aspects of King’s life.
Meet the Cast of Genius: MLK/X!
Joining the ranks of these actors, Kelvin Harrison Jr. is also set to make his mark in Disney’s docudrama, Genius: MLK/X. The series commences in 1964, capturing the sole documented meeting between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X at the Capitol, just before the implementation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Initially, when approached to play the visionary civil rights minister, Kelvin Harrison Jr. was not sure if he was the right person for the job. Speaking to The Walt Disney Company, he stated,
“He also was terrified. He also had anxiety, and fear, and a sense of imposter syndrome… They said, ‘Lean into that. That is going to offer us a tangible take on Dr. King.’”
Besides, Kelvin Harrison Jr. taking on the role of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Aaron Pierre plays Malcolm X alongside Weruche Opia and Jayme Lawson. The cast also includes Lennie James as Martin Luther King Sr., Gbenga Akinnagbe as Earl Little, Griffin Matthews as Bayard Rustin, Donal Logue as Strom Thurmond, and Gary Carr as Clyde X.
Genius: MLK/X is streaming on Hulu.
