Now that Old Guard is officially playing on Netflix, Gina Prince-Bythewood has moved on to her next project, The Woman King.
Gina Prince-Bythewood to direct Viola Davis in the period action drama The Woman King for Sony’s TriStar.
The film is a historical epic inspired by actual events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey. It is one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries. The story follows Nanisca (Davis), general of the all-female military unit, and her daughter Nawi. They fought the French and neighboring tribes who violated their honor, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.
The role of Nawi has yet to be cast. However, at one point Lupita Nyong’o was to star as Davis’ onscreen daughter.
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Davis Davis and Julius Tennon will produce The Woman King via their JuVee Productions
“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,” said Davis and Tennon.
Cathy Schulman will also produce via her Welle Entertainment, along with Maria Bello of Jack Blue Productions.
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Prince-Bythewood’s most recently directed film, The Old Guard, starring Charlize Theron and Kiki Layne is playing on Netflix. The Netflix original film is based on the comic book series by author Greg Rucka and illustrator Leandro Fernández. It debuted on the streaming platform last Friday and drew praise from critics and audiences alike.