- The Underground Railroad actor Thuso Mbedu will join Academy Award-winning actor Viola Davis in the feature film The Woman King.
- The Woman King will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who most recently directed The Old Guard.
- "Those who know, know. Let's dooooo iiiiiiiiit! What an honour!" Thuso wrote on Instagram, sharing the exciting announcement.
The Underground Railroad actor Thuso Mbedu will join Academy Award-winning actor Viola Davis in the feature film The Woman King, Deadline reported on Wednesday.
The Woman King will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who most recently directed The Old Guard.
Very excited!! ????????????????https://t.co/cMQKwcu8kQ
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 28, 2021
"The depth and complexity of emotional life, her authentic beauty, and regalness is potent. We were mesmerized by Thuso Mbedu. We wanted Woman King / Nawi to be the vehicle to introduce her on the big screen," Viola Davis and Julius Tennon of JuVee Productions told Deadline.
"Thrilled to have this bright young star @Thuso.Mbedu join @ViolaDavis in our #WomanKing film!" wrote JuVee Productions on Instagram.
According to reports, The Woman King is 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, General of the all-female military unit, and Nawi, an ambitious recruit, who together fought enemies who violated their honour, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they've lived for.
Thuso, who has twice been nominated for an International Emmy Award, is set to star in Barry Jenkins' The Underground Railroad next month. The 10-episode limited series will begin on Amazon Prime on 14 May.
About the announcement, Viola tweeted on Thursday: "Very excited!!"
"Those who know, know. Let's dooooo iiiiiiiiit! What an honour!" Thuso wrote on Instagram, sharing the exciting announcement.