Nearly a week after the successful release of Netflix’s The Old Guard, Variety brings word director Gina Prince-Blythewood has found her next directing gig as she officially signs on to helm TriStar Pictures’ forthcoming epic drama film titled The Woman King. Inspired by true historical events, the film will be led by Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis.
“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,” producers Davis and Julius Tennon said in a statement.
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Based on real-life events in the Kingdom of Dahomey in the 18th and 19th centuries, The Woman King tells the story of Nanisca, general of the all-female military unit known as the Amazons, 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.
Viola Davis (How to Get Away With Murder) is set to portray the role of Nanisca with Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o (Us, Black Panther) previously attached for the role of Nawi. The film will be produced by Welle Entertainment’s Cathy Schulman with Davis and Julius Tennon and their JuVee Productions. Maria Bello of Jack Blue Productions will produce as well. Hannah Minghella and Nicole Brown will oversee for TriStar Pictures.
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Before directing the smash hit film adaptation of Greg Rucka’s The Old Guard, Gina Prine-Blythewood also gained recognition for works on indie films such as Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees, and Beyond the Lights.
