The Woman King star Viola Davis sits down with Oprah Winfrey on Sept. 13, to discuss the grueling process of preparing for her role in the epic historical film.
Davis leads the cast and serves as a producer on the action drama inspired by the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin) in the 1800s.
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Davis, an Oscar and Emmy-winning actress, will discuss her transformation into general Nanisca, a battle-scarred warrior who took a vow never to marry for the good of her people.
The cast of international actors also includes Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Adrienne Warren, Thuso Mbedu, and John Boyega as king Ghezo, who is challenged by Davis’ Nanisca for his willingness to sell his people into slavery to Europeans.
The film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard, Love & Basketball) from a script written by Dana Stevens (Fatherhood, Safe Haven). The script is based on a story by A History of Violence actress Maria Bello, who came up with the idea after visiting Benin.
Prince-Bythewood and others involved with the film will also be interviewed for the OWN Spotlight event titled Oprah and Viola The Woman King. The interview premieres Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.
The Woman King opens domestically on Sept. 16.
