The Woman King caught the attention of many movie lovers earlier this year for good reason. A novel historical premise and great first-look photos are the perfect combo to build interest. The film—starring Viola Davis, John Boyega, and Lashana Lynch—draws inspiration from the events of the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin). And it will focus heavily on the kingdom’s fierce all-woman warrior collective known as the Dahomey Amazons. (The group called themselves Mino.) Now, The Woman King is giving us a trailer that takes us deeper into its story.
There is a war brewing with an enemy who wants to conquer the entire continent of Africa. Viola Davis’ Nanisca, a leader preparing a new legion of recruits to be a part of the King’s Guard. (The specific king in question is King Ghezo, played by Boyega.) She tells them that the only choice is to fight or die. Period. The epic action of the trailer transpires over Beyoncé’s “My Power,” which also features artists Nija, Busiswa, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, Moonchild Sanelly, and DJ Lag. Now, this is the type of historical movie that we need more of.
In addition to The Woman King trailer, here’s the official synopsis:
The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for…
The Woman King is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and will hit theaters on September 16.