Gina Prince-Bythewood to direct Viola Davis in The Woman King

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Hot off of the success of Netflix's THE OLD GUARD comes the news from Variety that Gina Prince-Bythewood is slated to helm THE WOMAN KING for TriStar Pictures. The historical epic will be inspired by true events that took place in one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries – the Kingdom of Dahomey.

THE WOMAN KING will star Viola Davis (THE SUICIDE SQUAD) as Nanisca, the general of an all-female military unite who fought the French and neighboring tribes who violated their honor, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for. The project is being produced by Cathy Schulman’s Welle Entertainment, Davis and Julius Tennon of JuVee Productions, and Maria Bello of Jack Blue Productions. In a statement, JuVee Productions' Davis and Tennon said, "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." Davis has actually been attached to THE WOMAN KING for more than two years, and when the project was first announced, it was also stated that Lupita Nyong'o (BLACK PANTHER) would be starring alongside Davis as Nawi, the daughter of Davis' character, but we're not sure if that's still the case.

Gina Prince-Bythewood most recently directed THE OLD GUARD, an action/thriller based upon upon the comic series by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez. The film stars Charlize Theron starring as Andy, aka Andromache the Scythian, an immortal warrior who has led other immortals throughout the centuries. THE OLD GUARD is now streaming on Netflix, so be sure to check out a review from our own Chris Bumbray!