A clip has been released for the upcoming historical action film The Woman King. In it, we see Viola Davis’ character, Nanisca, preparing her warriors for battle. She is giving them a speech to get them pumped up to fight against those that look to enslave them.
The movie is inspired by true events that took place in the Kingdom of Dahomey, “one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries. The story follows Nanisca (Davis), general of an all-female military unit, and Nawi (Mbedu), an ambitious recruit, who together fight enemies who violated their honor, enslaved their people and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.”
The movie was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard), from a script by Dana Stevens (City of Angels, Safe Haven, Fatherhood). It also stars John Boyega, Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel, No Time to Die), Thuso Mbedu (The Underground Railroad), Adrienne Warren, Sheila Atim, Jayme Lawson and Hero Fiennes Tiffin.
Davis previously talked about this film, saying, “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…. I knew what it would mean to us as Black people. Something that has never been done before. And what it would mean for Black women sitting in that movie theater. The responsibility is really high.”
The movie hits theaters on September 16th, 2022.