Exclusive: Sheila Atim, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega talk The Woman King
Currently playing in theaters nationwide from Sony Pictures is Gina Prince-Bythewood's directed historical African epic The Woman King.
Starring Oscar winner Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, John Boyega, Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren, Sheila Atim, Jayme Lawson, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Masali Baduza, the pic is based on 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 Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for…
The unit is the inspiration behind the Dora Milaje in “Black Panther,” and its story has never been told on screen before.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the story is by Maria Bello and Dana Stevens and the screenplay by Dana Stevens. Produced by Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon and Maria Bello, Peter McAleese serves as executive producer.
Sheila Atim and Lashana Lynch respectfully play Amenza and Izogie, veteran soldiers in General Nanisca’s unit, while John Boyega plays the new King Ghezo.
Blackfilmandtv.com’s Wilson Morales spoke with Atim, Lynch and Boyega regarding their roles in the film.
