Sony Pictures has released the first official trailer for its upcoming historical epic The Woman King, which looks to arrive in theaters this September. The upcoming film will star Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis as the fierce leader tasked with protecting her kingdom from a sinister force of evil.
Sony Pictures' The Woman King draws its inspiration from true historical events and is set in the West African Kingdom of Dahomey. The film will follow Davis, starring as Nanisca, the leader of an all-female military unit of passionate warriors that became the inspiration for the Dora Milaje from Marvel Studios' Black Panther. Alongside Nanisca, the film will also follow Nawi, an earnest recruit called to join the unit to help fight an enemy driven to enslave their people and the whole of Africa.
The trailer opens with the voice of John Boyega, starring as King Ghezo, noting the approaching evil coming to serve as a threat to their kingdom and freedom. The looming antagonists emerge as Europeans, looking to take control of the African continent and all it offers. The powerful true events depicted in the trailer's footage showcase The Suicide Squad's Davis preparing the Kingdom of Dahomey for war in a fight to protect everything they love and cherish.
Boyega describes Davis' aggressive character as an unmatched weapon the Europeans cannot handle, highlighted in the intensified battle sequences that place the military unit leader center stage. The upcoming film will look to showcase the true beauty of the Kingdom of Dahomey, alongside the passion of its people. "We are the spear of victory. We are the blade of freedom. We are Dahomey," expresses Davis's character, pointing toward an epic fight between two opposing forces.
Davis recently opened up about the gruelling nature of the transformational role and the intensive training she underwent to meet the physically demanding requirements of the performance. Training occurred months before shooting even began for the film and consisted of strategically different combat and weight training sessions to help transform the Academy Award-winning star into an ambitious military leader. Davis noted that she has never played a role like this and understands stories such as these are limited, which makes the incredible part all the more meaningful.
The Woman King will come from director Gina Prince-Bythewood, whose last directorial feature was the 2020 Netflix original film The Old Guard, which starred Charlize Theron. Prince-Bythewood also wrote the screenplay for the upcoming film alongside screenwriter Dana Stevens. Capitan Marvel star Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and Hero Fiennes Tiffin will also star in the fast-approaching film, as the fierce battle for freedom and honor peaks over the horizon.
The Woman King will hit theaters on September 16, 2022.