Mary Shelley to Be the Focus of ‘Genius’ Season 3

In 2017, National Geographic launched a new TV series called Genius, which explores the lives of famed historical figures one might well label a genius. The first season followed Albert Einstein, the second Pablo Picasso, and it has now been confirmed that a third season is in the works and will follow the gothic writer Mary Shelley.

“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein left an indelible mark on generations of imaginations,” said Carolyn Bernstein, EVP, global development and production for National Geographic Global Networks. “Equally inspiring is the story of Shelley’s relentless innovation, coupled with her desire to live on her own unconventional terms despite immense societal and cultural obstacles.”

“Mary Shelley has inspired countless filmmakers with her tale of the wretch brought to life by science gone wrong, but very few have fully captured her insightful reflections on society in the myth she left behind,” said executive producer Ron Howard. “Few know of her struggles due to gender inequities, her additional writings, her influence on other historically significant individuals and society at large. Showcasing someone like Mary Shelley and her amazing intellect, compassion and fortitude is exactly what this series is for.”

“The choice of Mary Shelley as the subject of our third season speaks to the incredible depth of the franchise,” said Bert Salke, president of Fox 21 Television Studios. “How fitting at this moment in time to pivot to one of the many female geniuses in human history, and Mary’s story is both stranger than fiction and incredibly dramatic.”

As Deadline reports, an actress has not yet been cast for the role of Shelley but, given the big names the previous seasons have featured, it will be interesting to see who National Geographic selects. The first season starred Geoffrey Rush as Albert Einstein and the second season saw Antonio Banderas as Pablo Picasso. Genius quickly became National Geographic’s best performing new series and drew in over 45 million viewers across the world, season three is set to air next year.