Generally, when you think of historical war epics, you think of swords-and-sandals movies featuring white protagonists with long swooshy hair – from Gladiator and Troy, to Kingdom Of Heaven and The Last Samurai. The Woman King looks set to redress that balance – an action-packed blockbuster from director Gina Prince-Bythewood, telling the story of the Dahomey Amazons and their leader Nanisca, played with might and majesty by the legendary Viola Davis. The first trailer has dropped, and teases a film that looks suitably huge – with battle scenes ahoy and an astonishing ensemble cast. Take a look here.
They’re not messing around with this one, are they? Davis looks to be on top form as Nanisca, joined by the likes of Lashana Lynch, John Boyega, The Underground Railroad’s Thuso Mbedu, and Sheila Atim (who recently popped up in a minor role in Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness). Here’s the official synopsis: “The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for…”
For Prince-Bythwood – who co-wrote the screenplay with Dana Stevens – this marks her directorial follow-up to Netflix’s The Old Guard. Fingers crossed the film lives up to the fire and ferocity of this trailer – we’ll find out when it hits UK cinemas from 4 October.