Taraji P. Henson will play a math genius in "Hidden Figures," the film adaptation of Margot Lee Shetterly's upcoming book, "Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race," according to Variety.
The "Empire" star will play the role of mathematical wizard Katherine Johnson in the film, which follows the story of a group of black women who help NASA accomplish the historic mission of launching astronaut John Glenn into space and bringing him back home safely.
Ted Melfi, whose credits include 2014's "St. Vincent," is directing the project for Fox 2000. Melfi will also serve as the film's producer along with Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping of Chernin Entertainment and Levantine Films' Donna Gigliotti, Deadline reported.
Henson recently bagged a Golden Globe for her role as Cookie Lyon in Fox's hit drama, "Empire." The 45-year-old actress' other silver screen credits include "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "No Good Deed" opposite Idris Elba.
"Hidden Figures" is slated to hit theaters in January 2017.
