According to The Hollywood Reporter, Captain Marvel star Lashana Lynch has officially signed on to star opposite Oscar winner Viola Davis in TriStar Pictures’ forthcoming epic drama The Woman King, inspired by true historical events. Lynch is set to portray the unnamed role of a charming veteran warrior.
“Lashana is next-level dope,” director Gina Prince-Bythewood said in a statement. “Not just her incredible chops, but who she projects to the world. She embodies these true-life warriors and we are so lucky she is coming to play.”
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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 (Davis), the 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.
The film will be directed by The Old Guard filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood from a screenplay she co-wrote with Dana Stevens. In addition to Davis and Lynch, it will also be led by Thuso Mbedu (The Underground Railroad) who will be playing the role of Nawi. Black Panther star Lupita Nyong’o was previously attached to play the character.
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The Woman King 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.
