In other words, you won’t be able to see it online until at least a few months after its September 16, 2022, theatrical release date. No information on the exact date of digital release or available streaming platforms has been made public.
If like many others, you were impressed by Dora Milaje’s athleticism, courage, and military prowess, you should rewatch Black Panther to get a better idea of what to expect from The Woman King. The film is a romanticized adaptation of the Marvel comics, but the powerful female warriors were inspired by the Agojie.
What Is the Woman King About?
Understanding the nuances of The Woman King requires some backstory, as the story is a historical epic based on actual events.
The story takes place in the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the late 1800s, where a formidable all-female military unit known as the Agojie must fight for the lives and freedom of the country against outside aggressors. Historians dubbed these women the “Dahomey Amazons” because of their striking resemblance to the legendary Amazons. Wars with neighboring West African powers and the slave trade resulted in a high death toll for men in the Kingdom’s armed forces, prompting the recruitment and ultimate dominance of women in that sector.
When European armies invade the Kingdom of Dahomey, General Nanisca (Davis) must deal with the situation. The French-Dahomeyan War, which took place from 1890 to 1894, served as inspiration for the epic conflict she unleashes upon them.
Thus Mbedu portrays Nawi, an ambitious new recruit in Nanisca (The Underground Railroad). The historical figure named Nawi, known as the “last Dahomey Amazon” served as inspiration for the fictional character. Nawi stated that he engaged in combat with the French in 1982 during an interview he gave in 1978. She lived to be nearly a hundred years old when she passed away in 1979.
Even before their appearance in The Woman King, the Dahomey Amazons, also known as the “Agojie,” had been mentioned numerous times in popular culture, most notably in the 2018 Marvel Cinematic Universe film The Black Panther. The “Dora Milaje” is a female bodyguard and guard unit inspired by the Dahomey Amazons.
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The Woman King Release Date
Months after its announcement, “The Woman King” still lacked a firm release date and didn’t appear likely to make its premiere before 2023, according to TriStar Pictures’ release timetable. The release date for “Woman King” has been set, and it’s coming sooner than expected, which is great news for impatient fans. In the United States, it will be available on September 16th, 2022.
The fall 2022 release of “The Woman King” will coincide with the theatrical debuts of many other TriStar films, including the Whitney Houston biographical “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and the musical “Matilda” (via Deadline).
It’s interesting to note that this project is being released just two months before “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster film, without which “The Woman King” could never have been made. This October is shaping up to be amazing for Black talent and Black stories in film, with the release of “Till,” a film about civil rights in the United States directed by Chinonye Chukwu.
Due to the preponderance of comedies and horrors in the September release schedule, “The Woman King” will face minimal competition upon its debut. To its credit, “The Woman King” promises a story we haven’t seen before, and African history is a rarity at the multiplexes. However, its biggest competition will likely come from the Letitia Wright drama “The Silent Twins,” the ensemble comedy mystery “See How They Run,” and the historical action drama “Medieval.”
Who Are the Cast and Crew of The Woman King?
Gina Prince-Bythewood has directed multiple episodes of popular shows like Everybody Hates Chris, Girlfriends, Cloak & Dagger, and Shots Fired, giving her extensive experience in the field. Beyond the Lights and Love and Basketball are two more films she directed.
Maria Bello is a well-known actress and philanthropist who has written and directed several films, including Coyote Ugly, Lights Out, Beautiful Boy, and Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2. She is a member of the board of directors for the Darfur Women Action Group and she founded an organization called “WE ADVANCE” that empowers women in Haiti to work together to make healthcare a top priority and to put an end to domestic violence.
General Nanisca, played by Viola Davis, will lead her troops into war to protect Dahomey, and Thuso Mbedu, modeled after the real-life Nawi, will serve as her teenage aide. Actress Lashana Lynch, who played Carol Danvers’ BFF Maria Rambeau in Captain Marvel, will play Nanisca’s lieutenant in a role with no current working title. She appears in multiple scenes, including the one where the Dahomey warriors are engaged in a test of strength, stamina, and resolve during their training.
King Ghezo of Dahomey will be played by John Boyega, who made his acting debut as a major character in the Star Wars universe as Finn in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. His protagonist looks up to General Nanisca as a source of wisdom. The historical figure who has the same name as King Ghezo is credited with instituting the Agojie by shifting the culture away from ritual and ceremony and toward a more militaristic state.
Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who played a younger Lord Voldemort/Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, will play Santo Ferreira, the major antagonist. The teaser also introduces Sheila Atim (The Underground Railroad) as Amenza, another high-ranking lieutenant who stands at General Nanisca’s side throughout.
Adrienne Warren, who played Tina Turner in the Broadway musical, is among the ensemble cast. She is making her first appearance in a major motion picture with her performance. In addition to Jayme Lawson (The Batman) and Masali Baduza (Noughts + Crosses), the strong female cast now includes Angélique Kidjo (Blood Diamond) and Shaina West (Black Widow).
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Is There a Trailer for The Woman King?
There is most definitely a teaser! The trailer, which premiered on July 6, 2022, shows us the horrific savagery that threatens Dahomey and how the Dahomey Amazons are trained. The preview is embedded below:
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