#TheWomanKing
The Woman King, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s historical epic starring Viola Davis, premiered September 16, 2022, and became a rare original action film box office success.
The Film
Set in 1820s Dahomey (modern-day Benin), the film follows General Nanisca (Viola Davis) leading the Agojie—an all-female warrior regiment—against slavers and rival kingdoms. The cast included Thuso Mbedu (Nawi), Lashana Lynch (Izogie), Sheila Atim (Amenza), and John Boyega (King Ghezo).
The story blended historical inspiration (the Agojie were real) with Hollywood narrative—focusing on Nanisca’s trauma, Nawi’s coming-of-age, and Dahomey’s resistance to the Atlantic slave trade.
Box Office Success
The Woman King defied expectations, earning $94 million worldwide on a $50 million budget—impressive for an original, R-rated, female-led action film. Opening weekend ($19 million) proved audiences wanted diverse stories with strong action.
Viola Davis’s physical transformation (she trained for months, performing her own stunts) became a talking point. At 57, she delivered one of cinema’s most badass performances.
Controversy
Historians criticized the film’s depiction of Dahomey, a kingdom that actively participated in the slave trade. The movie portrayed Dahomey as opposing slavery, whitewashing historical complicity for narrative heroism.
Supporters argued the film was inspired by history, not a documentary—prioritizing representation and empowerment over perfect accuracy. The debate highlighted tensions between Hollywood storytelling and historical responsibility.
Cultural Impact
Despite controversy, The Woman King resonated—Black women celebrated seeing themselves as warriors and leaders. The film’s success proved there was hunger for diverse action films led by women of color.
Critics praised it (94% Rotten Tomatoes), and it earned Oscar buzz (though ultimately snubbed). The film’s legacy: proof that representation and box office success aren’t mutually exclusive.