With Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch and The Underground Railroad's Thuso Mbedu already on board to star, Gina Prince-Bythewood's latest, The Woman King has built a solid cast so far. The director is adding John Boyega to the ensemble.
The film, written by the director and Dana Stevens, is an historical epic 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 the all-female military unit, and Nawi (Mbedu), an ambitious recruit, who together fought enemies who violated their honor, enslaved their people and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.
Boyega is on to play King Ghezo, the ruler of Dahomey. "I have been enamored by John’s immense talent for years, but his speech to Black women during the protests cemented my desire to work with him," Prince-Bythewood says in a statement carried by The Hollywood Reporter. "The description of King Ghezo reads, 'He walks as if the earth were honored by its burden.' John possesses that innate depth and swagger, and I’m so excited to put it on screen."
Prince-Bythewood is gearing up to direct the film, but we don't have a release date yet.