In season 2 of Disney+’s Genius, Antonio Banderas takes on a role quite different from the ones he’s known for. Throughout his career, Banderas has typically played charming heroes or captivating villains, but this new part marks a departure from those familiar characters.
He’s a versatile actor, recognized with nominations for prestigious awards like the Academy Award, Golden Globes, and Emmys, proving he can play a wide range of characters. Still, most people remember him for roles like Zorro and El Mariachi, which is why his work in Genius is such a pleasant surprise.
Every Season Of Genius Probes A Different Creative Or Societal Figure
As a critic, I remember being really intrigued when Genius first landed on National Geographic back in April 2017. Geoffrey Rush absolutely became Albert Einstein, and the first season beautifully traced his journey from a budding mind to a full-blown scientific icon. Then, the show smartly switched gears for Season 2, turning its attention to Pablo Picasso, brilliantly portrayed by Antonio Banderas. This season really focused on Picasso’s life, showing us his early years and then his evolution into the celebrated artist we all know.
I’m a huge fan of this show! Each season tells the story of an important historical figure, and they really nail the details. We’ve seen Aretha Franklin’s life explored in Season 3, and Season 4 focuses on Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. They even went back to Season 2 and showed Picasso’s worries about what was happening in Spain with the rise of fascism – it was so well done and really brought history to life.
Season 2 focuses on the dramatic events in Picasso’s life, including his rivalry with Henri Matisse and his complex love life with Françoise Gilot and Dora Maar. While the season sometimes feels a bit distant, this actually makes it easy to watch, offering a broad overview of the period.
Picasso Is A Very Different Role From What Banderas Usually Plays
The second season of Genius features four actors portraying Pablo Picasso at different stages of his life, but Antonio Banderas embodies him for the majority of the series and during his most pivotal moments. Banderas delivers a remarkable performance, offering a portrayal that is both understated and captivating.
While Antonio Banderas is known for playing charming and confident characters, his portrayal of Picasso reveals a more vulnerable side. The film Genius highlights Picasso’s immaturity and insecurity, and Banderas expertly brings these hidden qualities to life, showing a side of the artist we haven’t often seen.
He might charm some women, but his own self-doubt causes him to treat them poorly. While he’s confident in his abilities, he still feels intimidated by Matisse. And even though he understands the danger of fascism, the film demonstrates that even capable people can get stuck overthinking things when the right course of action is clear.
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2025-10-25 22:19