Antonio Banderas to play Pablo Picasso in new season of ‘Genius’ TV series

MALAGA-BORN  actor Antonio Banderas has been cast to play Pablo Picasso in National Geographic’s season two of Genius. 

The 57-year-old said in a statement, “The life story of Pablo Picasso has long since fascinated me and I have so much respect for this man, who also comes from my birthplace Malaga.”

Executive producer Ron Howard said,  “Antonio was the natural choice. He, like Picasso, has a no-holds-barred approach to life that will add to the genuineness that we’re looking for.

“He has such tremendous range as an actor, who I know will bring this brilliant and unconventional artist to life.”

Season one of Genius starred Geoffrey Rush as Albert Einstein.

It has been watched by more than 45 million viewers around the world. It was also nominated for 10 Emmys.

Genius season two is expected to premiere in 2018.