Fresh from the success of her Netflix action film, ‘The Old Guard’, Gina Prince- Bythewood has decided her new project. To make it a memorable one, she has casted Oscar winner, Viola Davis as the lead in the film. Titled as ‘The Woman King’, it is going to be historic film.
Davis will star as Nanisca, the General of a female military unit. Further, it will feature the 18th and 19th century inspired true events. These events took place in, The Kingdom of Dahomey. It was one of the most powerful African states in those times. ‘Variety’ reported this.
It follows the story of Nanisca and her daughter, Nawi fighting the french and neighborhood tribes. The fight between them takes place, after the tribes violate their honor, people and impended to destroy them.
‘The Hollywood Reporter’, had previously run a story that Lupita Nyong’o, will star as Davis’s daughter Nawi in the film. Though, it is not confirmed.
Producers of the film are Cathy Shulman’s Welle Entertainment, Davis and Julius Tennon of Juvee Productions and Maria Bello of Jack Blue Productions.
In a statement, Davis and Blue talked about the film, saying :
“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 and in Gina Prince-Bythewood”s hands, it will be a gamechanger. This project could not be a more perfect example of our legacy.”
Meanwhile, The Old Guard is getting massive acclaim. Already, the film is being considered as a landmark film for women in the action genre. It stars Charlize Theron in lead.