Date: 22nd September 2021

John Boyega Joins Viola Davis in Historical Drama 'The Woman King'.


John Boyega is set to join Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu and Lashana Lynch in director Gina Prince-Bythewood's historical epic "The Woman King" at TriStar Pictures.

The film, written by the director and Dana Stevens, is an 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 Nawi (Mbedu), an ambitious recruit, who together fought enemies who violated their honor, enslaved their people and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.

Boyega will play Dahomey’s ruler, King Ghezo. Dana Stevens wrote the original screenplay with Prince-Bythewood helping on the recent drafts. Davis, Julius Tennon, Cathy Schulman and Maria Bello produce.

"I have been enamored by John’s immense talent for years, but his speech to Black women during the protests cemented my desire to work with him," said Prince-Bythewood in a statement. "The description of King Ghezo reads, ‘He walks as if the earth were honored by its burden.’ John possesses that innate depth and swagger, and I’m so excited to put it on screen."

Boyega, who is known internationally for playing galactic hero Finn in the last Star Wars trilogy, most recently starred in the Steve McQueen-directed drama Small Axe for BBC and Amazon. This year he wrapped production on sci-fi thriller They Cloned Tyrone, with Jamie Foxx, and indie drama 892.

Source: Press Release