Viola Davis Opens Up About Studio Backlash to ‘The Woman King’
“Everything was a fight,” the actress said during an exclusive SiriusXM Town Hall with the movie’s cast and director.
Courtesy TIFF
Cast members from the acclaimed new movie “The Woman King” sat down for an exclusive SiriusXM Town Hall with hosts Sway Calloway, Heather B, Tracy G, and Mike Muse on Shade 45.
During the special interview, co-stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, and Sheila Atim, plus director Gina Prince-Bythewood, discussed the making of what Viola said is her “magnum opus.” They reflected on the “fight” they endured in light of studio backlash surrounding its production — from the cast’s hair to labels — and how Black actors need to “make choices” to score roles.
“The Woman King” follows a group of all-female warriors in the 1800s who protect the African kingdom of Dahomey — with skills and fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Faced with a new threat, Gen. Nanisca trains the next generation of recruits to fight against a foreign enemy that’s determined to destroy their way of life. The movie is being hailed as an Oscar contender and is currently 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
