Gina Prince-Bythewood's "The Woman King" is something unique for Hollywood: a historical epic with four Black women in prominent heroic roles.
Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim share the screen as members of the Agojie, a highly skilled team of all-female warriors who defended the West Africa kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. The Agojie were very real, but the movie — in grand epic movie tradition — spins a compelling dramatic tale with fictional characters, universal themes and massive set pieces.
The Agojie also happen to be the inspiration behind the Dora Milaje of Marvel's blockbuster "Black Panther." But that, along with substantial critical acclaim ahead of their releases, is where the similarities between the two films end. "Gina says all the time that if it were not for 'Black Panther's' success, 'The Woman King' would not have happened," said Davis. "But I encourage people to understand that it's not 'Black Panther.' It is its own movie and its own narrative."
