Hidden Figures series in development

National Geographic is developing a series inspired by the film Hidden Figures, telling the true story of the African American female mathematicians who were instrumental in the early days of the US space program.

The 2016 film which starred starred Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, was based on the book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly.

Variety reports the TV project is in the early stages of development, to be executive produced by Chernin Entertainment, which produced the film, and National Geographic.

Genius, starring Geoffrey Rush, marked Nat Geo’s first push into scripted drama with a second season later this month featuring Antonio Banderas as Pablo Picasso.

Nat Geo declined to comment.