Viola Davis Leads An Army Of Female Warriors Against The Colonists In The Woman King

In The Woman King trailer, Viola Davis leads an army of female warriors in battle against the French colonists.

Soon, Black Panther will no longer be the only blockbuster almost exclusively worn by black performers. The Woman King recount the true story of African women warriors, the Amazons of the kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin) which existed until the end of the 19th century. The movie will be released in theaters September 28.

The Woman King trailer

The story takes place in the 19th century. Dahomey warriors lead a fierce fight against the French colonists, under the command of General Nanisca and her daughter Nawi.

The film was unveiled in a first trailer that promises a show loaded with fights and impressive stunts. And for good reason: in the columns of Vanity FairViola Davis revealed the training followed for the film:

We started intensely a few months before shooting, four hours a day, five days a week. Bodybuilding, sprinting, martial arts and machete weapons training. I like to say that I was the OG of warriors.

Viola Davis

The Woman King, the film that honors African Amazons in struggle

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood, to whom we owe in particular The Old Guard on Netflix, surrounded herself witha dizzying cast.

Viola Davismain actress in the series How to get away with Murderis accompanied by Lashana LynchAgent 007 in Dying can wait. Alongside them are John Boyegaa British-Nigerian actor who plays Finn in Star Wars and Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, who played young Voldemort and who plays the main role in the saga after.

In Vanity FairViola Davis spoke about the feminist and anti-racist scope of The Woman King :

I’ve never had a role like this before. It is transformative. And to be a producer on it, and to know that I contributed to its realization… You always have a vision of your career, but you have so few roles when you’re an actress of color. Dark skin with a wide nose and large lips. I’ll just keep saying it. These stories are extraordinarily limited.

JI knew what that would mean for us as black people. Something that’s never been done before. And what that would mean for black women sitting in this movie theater. The responsibility is really high.