logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Viola Davis to Star in Movie 'The Woman King' – Here's What You Can Expect

Bettina Dizon
Jul 20, 2020
04:15 A.M.

The historical TriStar Pictures film, "The Woman King" will be set in The Kingdom of Dahomey, Africa, and will star Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis.

Advertisement

Viola Davis is set to play Nanisca, the general of a female military division in The Kingdom of Dahomey, in the upcoming film, "The Woman King."

Gina Prince-Bythewood will direct the historical movie based on true stories in 18th and 19th century Africa.

Viola Davis, winner of the award for Actress in a Supporting Role for 'Fences,' poses in the press room during the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Viola Davis, winner of the award for Actress in a Supporting Role for 'Fences,' poses in the press room during the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

THE FILM'S SYNOPSIS

The film will revolve around the life of Nanisca and her daughter, Nawi, who both battled the French who turned the Africans to slaves. According to Davis and Julius Tennon of JuVeeProductions:

Advertisement

"We at JuVee are beyond excited to introduce this incredible story of the Women Warriors of The Dahomey Ahosi tribe to the world. It's time that they truly occupy their place in history."

Viola Davis attends the red carpet during the 14th Rome Film Festival on October 26, 2019 in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Viola Davis attends the red carpet during the 14th Rome Film Festival on October 26, 2019 in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

High standards are expected from the film given that Prince-Bythewood was behind some of the most influential movies, including "Love & Basketball," "Beyond the Lights," and "The Secret Life of Bees."

VIOLA DAVIS' REGRET

Davis previously starred in the Tate Taylor-directed film, "The Help," which she earned an Oscar Award nomination for.

Advertisement
Viola Davis accepts the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award onstage during The Hollywood Reporter's Power 100 Women In Entertainment at Milk Studios on December 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Viola Davis accepts the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award onstage during The Hollywood Reporter's Power 100 Women In Entertainment at Milk Studios on December 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

However, the actress felt that the story did not tell the whole truth about racial discrimination. "There's a part of me that feels like I betrayed myself and my people because I was in a movie that wasn't ready to [tell the whole truth," she said.

The "How To Get Away With Murder" star also won the role of former First Lady Michelle Obama in the series, "First Ladies."

Davis took on the role of a house helper in a white household who exposed her employers' racist tendencies.

Advertisement
Advertisement

STARRING AS MICHELLE OBAMA

The "How To Get Away With Murder" star also won the role of former First Lady Michelle Obama in the series, "First Ladies."

The Aaron Cooley-created and produced show, which is set to start filming, will run for one hour per episode.

Davis will also be an executive producer, together with Jeff Gaspin, Julius Tennon, Cathay Schulman, and Brad Kaplan.

The actress is highly praised for her incredible talents that have been critically praised over the years, especially with the hit show "How To Get Away With Murder."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Michelle Obama Turns Heads with Daughters at Beverly Hills Hotspot

May 14, 2026

Geena Davis, 70, Stuns in Recent Appearance — Photos

May 20, 2026

Only 7 Women Allowed to Wear White Near the Pope – What Makes Them Special?

April 03, 2026

Michelle Obama's Rare Outing Sparks Ozempic Rumors – Fans React to Her Transformation

May 13, 2026

Barack Obama's Reaction Says It All as Michelle Wears a One-of-a-Kind Skirt at Their Latest Outing – Photos

June 17, 2026

King Charles, 77, Makes Eye-Catching Arrival at St Paul's Cathedral, Igniting Buzz with His Blue Mantle Look – Video

May 08, 2026

Meghan Is Reportedly Heading to the UK This Week – but There Are Conditions Attached to the Visit – Details

July 10, 2026

Former Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax and Wife's Life Together — 45+ Photos

April 17, 2026

Sam Houston Defensive Back William Davis Passes Away as New Details Emerge About His Final Moment

May 21, 2026

Melania Trump Responds to Epstein Claims in Official White House Statement

April 09, 2026

King Charles, 77, Stuns Royal Fans With Truly Beautiful and Touching Tribute on Queen Elizabeth II's 100th Birthday – Photos

April 22, 2026