“The Woman King” has found its director. Hot off her Netflix hit “The Old Guard,” Gina Prince-Bythewood has signed on to helm the Viola Davis-starrer. Variety broke the news.
First announced two years ago, the TriStar Pictures’ project, based on an original story from “NCIS” actress Maria Bello, is described as “a 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 her daughter Nawi, who together fought the French and neighboring tribes who violated their honor, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.”
Lupita Nyong’o was initially signed on to play Nawi, but Variety makes no note of the “12 Years a Slave” breakout, which suggests she’s no longer attached.
“The Woman King” is being produced by Cathy Schulman’s Welle Entertainment, Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions, and Bello’s Jack Blue Productions.
“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,” said Davis and Tennon.
“I feel like my entire life has been a protest,” Davis recently told Variety. “My production company is my protest. Me not wearing a wig at the Oscars in 2012 was my protest. It is a part of my voice, just like introducing myself to you and saying, ‘Hello, my name is Viola Davis.’”
Davis won an Oscar for her role in “Fences.” She also received nods for “The Help” and “Doubt.” She took home an Emmy for her starring role in “How to Get Away with Murder,” which concluded its six-season run in May. Her upcoming slate includes “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” a Netflix pic about a blues musician that’s expected later this year, and “First Ladies,” a Showtime anthology series that will see her portraying Michelle Obama.
“The Old Guard” dropped on Netflix last Friday. Prince-Bythewood’s latest is based on the comic book series of the same name and follows a covert group of mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die. Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne topline the action pic. “Beyond the Lights,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” and “Love & Basketball” are among her other credits.
