Viola Davis to star as African general in “The Woman King”

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Black history is making its way to theaters once again! The Woman King, featuring Black actress extraordinaire, Viola Davis, drops in September.

In the film, Davis plays Nanisca, the general of the all  female military brigade for the powerful, ancient African Kingdom of Dahomey. It’s based on real-life events that took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. This badass group of women held it down and defended threats of dishonor and enslavement against their empire.

Viola Davis is known for dominating whatever role she plays, starring in movies like Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Fences, and The Help. She was also the main character in the hit ABC thriller, How to Get Away With Murder. In addition to being the lead actress, she’s also a producer on this production. 

A star-studded cast of Black girl magic

By Mrs. Davis’s side, representing this iconic piece of history is Lupita Nyong’o. She had a breakout role as Nakia, the Wakadan spy in Black Panther. Sheila Atim, who recently starred alongside Halle Berry in the Netflix film Bruised and Thuso Mbedu play General Nanisca’s ride-or-die military recruits 

Blessing The Woman King with her talents is legendary director and writer Gina-Prince Bythewood, who’s known for her work with Love and Basketball, A Different World and Secret Life of Bees.

This film is full of Black girl magic and power! Black folks showed up and showed out for the premiere of Black Panther in 2018. Likewise, the September 16th, 2022 premiere of The Woman King promises to be a whole event. Let’s start getting our outfits together!