Inspired by true events, The Woman King tells the story of a 19th century all-female group of warriors—called the Agojie— who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey. The new historical drama from Sony Pictures boasts an all-star cast led by Oscar and two-time Tony winner Viola Davis, last seen on Broadway in the 2010 revival of Fences, a role which she reprised on screen.
The How to Get Away with Murder actor is accompanied by stage favorites Adrienne Warren, a Tony Award winner for her portrayal of Tina Turner in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical; Jayme Lawson, best known for playing Lady in Red in the Off-Broadway revival of for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf; Sheila Atim, whose stage credits include West End productions of Girl from the North Country and Constellations; and John Boyega, who last starred onstage as the title character in Old Vic's Woyzeck.
Also starring is Lashana Lynch, soon to make her movie-musical debut as Miss Honey in Netflix's Matilda the Musical.
The Woman King also stars Thuso Mbedu and Hero Fiennes Tiffin. The movie is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, with a story by Maria Bello and a screenplay by Dana Stevens and Prince-Bythewood. Producers include Cathy Schulman, Davis, Julius Tennon, and Maria Bello. Peter McAleese is executive producer.
Hannah Minghella and Nicole Brown will oversee the project for TriStar Pictures.
