She's just launched a film about a long-lived warrior on Netflix with The Old Guard, and Gina Prince-Bythewood isn't finished dipping into history. She's now on to direct Viola Davis in The Woman King.
TriStar's plan is for a historical epic inspired by 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 story follows Nanisca (Davis), general of the all-female military unit, and her daughter Nawi, who together fought the French and neighbouring tribes who violated their honor, enslaved their people and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for. This one has been in development for a while now, with Lupita Nyong'o at one point attached to play Nawi. She's not mentioned in Variety's story, but there's a chance she could still take on the role.
Davis will also produce the film via the company she oversees with Julius Tennon. "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 game-changer. This project could not be a more perfect example of our legacy,” the pair says in a statement.
Whether this will have any impact on Prince-Bythewood picking up on The Old Guard's sequel-baiting ending remains to be seen, but hopfully she'll still find time to continue the adventures of Charlize Theron's gang of immortals on the streaming service.