‘The Woman King’ Reigns at the Box Office
Viola Davis stars in this West African-set historical epic that opened in first place at the U.S. box office. Learn more below.
Sony’s original war drama “The Woman King” topped the weekend box office. Opening with an above-expectations $19 million, the action-adventure tells a heavily fictionalized account of the West African Dahomey Kingdom and its army of woman fighters, called the Agojie, during the 19th century. Viola Davis stars as General Nanisca, the ferocious general of the Agojie. As leader of the woman-only army, Nanisca is tasked with training recruits and preparing them to defend the kingdom against an enemy threatening their way of life.
Davis received rave reviews from critics. Entertainment Weekly wrote the film is “a spirited and often thrilling action epic elevated by the regal, rigorous commitment of star Viola Davis.” The Washington Post claimed, “Viola Davis owns ‘The Woman King,’ a movie every bit as majestic and monumental as its title implies.”
“The ‘Gladiator’ of our time.” Variety
The film has one of the best Rotten Tomatoes scores of 2022, currently holding a 95 percent Certified Fresh rating. It also has a 99 percent general audience review rating and an impressive A+ CinemaScore.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who also directed “Love & Basketball,” the film resonates strongly with audiences – in large part – because of its relevance and positive, culturally based story. In addition to Davis, the film also stars Lashana Lynch, John Boyega, Thuso Mbedu, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Sheila Atim and Jayme Lawson.
“The Woman King” is playing in theaters now and will be available for licensing from Swank soon.