SA actress Thuso Mbedu to star beside Viola Davis in ‘The Woman King’

Pietermaritzburg born actress Thuso Mbedu is set to star alongside acclaimed Hollywood star Viola Davis in the upcoming film The Woman King. 

Deadline reported that although Thuso Mbedu’s much-anticipated series The Underground Railroad does not bow until a couple of weeks, the South African actress is already lining up her next feature film as she hopped on board to The Woman King that stars award-winning actress Viola Davis. 

‘THE WOMAN KING’ INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS

The film will be directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The Woman King is a historic piece inspired by real events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, a powerful state in Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries. The script was written by Dana Stevens and the film will be produced by Cathy Schulman alongside Davis and Tennon of JuVee Productions and Maria Bello of Jack Blue Productions. 

The story follows Nanisca, the general of an all-female military unit, and Nawi, an ambitious recruit. Nanisca and Nawi together fought the enemies that violated their honour, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they lived for. 

VIOLA DAVIS MESMERISED BY THUSO MBEDU

How To Get Away With Murder lead actress Viola Davis said that she was mesmerised with the beauty of Thuso Mbedu. 

“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,” said Viola Davis and Julius Tennon of JuVee Productions to Deadline. 

“Thuso is a generational talent. Her craft, her work ethic, her depth, her passion inspired us all and I cannot wait to play. She is a warrior,” said director, Prince-Bythewood.

THUSO MBEDU ON NEW ROLE

Thuso Mbedu excitedly took to social media to announce her upcoming role. 

“Those who know, know Let’s dooooo iiiiiiiiit! What an honor! #TheWomanKing,” she wrote in the caption. 

Viola Davis also took to social media to announce the news and show her excitement to work with the talented Thuso Mbedu. 

“Very excited!! • • • Thrilled to have this bright young star @Thuso.Mbedu join @ViolaDavis in our #WomanKing film! @juveeproductions,” she wrote in the caption. 

Thuso Mbedu is making waves internationally, earlier this month she modelled for Giorgio Armani’s latest collection that appears in Vogue Magazine’s May edition. Earlier this year, the actress was also named one of “20 Young Black Hollywood Stars To Watch in 2021” by Essence Magazine alongside fellow South African actress and Coming 2 America star Nomzamo Mbatha.