Viola Davis Is a Real-Life African Warrior General in “The Woman King” Trailer

Viola Davis‘s next award-worthy role is as a powerful warrior general in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s historical action-drama “The Woman King.” The epic saga, based on true events that took place in the Kingdom of Dahomey, tells the remarkable story of the Agoji (aka the Amazons) – a fierce all-women warrior unit who defended their West African nation during the 1800s.

In “The Woman King” trailer, which arrived on July 6, Davis transforms into General Nanisca as she begins to train the next generation of recruits and prepare them to battle their enemy who threatens to take their freedom and destroy their way of life. “Some things are worth fighting for,” Davis says in the two-and-a-half-minute clip.

In a July interview with Vanity Fair, director Prince-Bythewood and Davis opened up about the significance of “The Woman King” showing images of dynamic dark-skinned women in combat, something is rarely seen on the big screen. “I knew what it would mean to us as Black people,” Davis said. “Something that has never been done before. And what it would mean for Black women sitting in that movie theatre. The responsibility is really high.” Prince-Bythewood added: “If you can digest ‘Avatar,’ then you can digest this.”

Ahead, read everything we know about “The Woman King” so far, including the cast, plot, release date, and trailer.

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