Entertainment
Viola Davis didn’t feel ‘challenged’ in Hollywood but praises The Woman King for making her an ‘artist’-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
‘I’m not actually given permission to use all my tools.’
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Viola Davis praised her starring role in The Woman King for making her feel like an ‘artist’ before she admitted there were times where she didn’t feel ‘challenged.’
The 56-year-old Oscar winner takes the lead in the historical drama alongside John Boyega, Lashana Lynch, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, and more.
Set in the 1800s, The Woman King follows a group of all-female warriors who aim to protect the African kingdom of Dahomey with skills and fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen.
When faced with a new threat, Nanisca (Viola) must train the next generation of recruits to fight against a foreign enemy.
Fences actress Viola has featured in several notable projects including during her incredible career, however, she explained that being surrounded by her Woman King co-stars made her feel seen.
‘I felt like an artist, I don’t always feel like an artist,’ she told Metro.co.uk during the UK premiere.
Her husband of 19 years, Julius Tennon, came out to support her (Picture: Getty)
Viola (l) followed an intense fitness regime in preparation for her role as Nanisca (Picture: AP)
‘I don’t always feel challenged. I’m not actually given permission to use all my tools and being in the presence of my co-stars made me feel like we matter.
‘The only thing we need is the right material. That’s it.’
When asked what how it felt starring in a prodimenantly Black cast, the How To Get Away With Murder star compared it to eating a ‘perfect meal.’
‘You know those meals that goes beyond a level of a spiritual experience and it’s in your body and it’s just nurturing you,’ she added.
The world-class actress is a Grammy away from EGOT status (Picture: Barcroft Images)
‘It’s the meal that you never thought you wanted but when it’s there it’s just perfect.’
Elsehwhere, co-star John stressed that now is the time for stronger Black female roles.
‘I’m not talking about people that don’t have the talent or the skill set, these are people that have the talent but don’t have the access,’ he added.
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‘How unfair that they need to forfeit their dreams for a lifetime to see other people excel, because we don’t have the guts to say these are the women that haven’t been given the opportunity.
‘To support one doesn’t mean to hate the other, but if you really want to show you’re not a hater, just support, don’t debate.’
The Woman King lands in cinema on Tuesday October 4.
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