John Boyega joins Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu in The Woman King | Channel

John Boyega.

• John Boyega joins Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu in the upcoming historical epic The Woman King.
• The film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood is inspired by true events that took place in the Kingdom of Dahomey in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• The movie will reportedly be shot in South Africa.

John Boyega has joined Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu and Lashana Lynch in the upcoming historical epic, The Woman King.

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film is inspired by true events that took place in the Kingdom of Dahomey in the 18th and 19th centuries.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the story follows Nanisca (Davis), general of an all-female military unit, and Nawi (Mbedu), an ambitious recruit, who together fight enemies who violated their honour, enslaved their people and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.

The Star Wars actor will play King Ghezo.

Sharing the news on Instagram, the 29-year-old wrote: “I will be joining this incredible cast as King Ghezo. I can’t wait to create with our director Gina Prince-Bythewood and our talented cast. It’s a personal joy to see black women shine like this.”

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Speaking about John’s casting, Gina said in a statement via The Hollywood Reporter:” The description of King Ghezo reads, ‘He walks as if the earth were honoured by its burden.’ John possesses that innate depth and swagger, and I’m so excited to put it on screen.”

Viola – whose company is producing the film – wrote on Instagram: “Welcome aboard, Mr Boyega!! So looking forward to it. We’re excited to have @johnboyega join the #WomanKing family!”

In an interview earlier this year, Thuso – who made her international debut in The Underground Railroad – revealed that The Woman King would be filming in South Africa.