We’ve seen Viola Davis play all sorts of amazing roles, but her next character will be unlike any other she portrayed before. The first trailer for her new film The Woman King is here and it shows her transformation into a formidable female warrior leading an all-female army.
The Woman King draws inspiration from the Kingdom of Dahomey, an all-female military unit that existed in Africa until the 20th century and fought enemies who threatened to destroy them, violated their honor and enslaved their people.
The Oscar-winning actress described The Woman King as her “magnum opus” and “a labor of love, bravery, courage, and excellence” because it allowed her to tap into the territory that she’s never explored before.
“I’ve never had a role like this before. It’s transformative. And to be a producer on it, and to know that I had a hand in bringing it to fruition…. There’s always a vision you have for your career, but there are very few roles as an actress of color,” Davis told Vanity Fair.
In addition to Davis, The Woman King will also star Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega. It was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and it will be released in theatres on September 16.
