Make way for the woman in charge! Upcoming 2022 film The Woman King is a historical epic about the Agojie, an all-women warrior unit sworn to protect the kingdom of Dahomey.
The historical action drama, set in the 19th Century, follows Nanisca, the general of the brave warriors, who trains the new generation to defeat anyone who is a danger to their nation or seeks to destroy them.
The film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Seila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, John Boyega, Makgotso M, and Adrienne Warren. Gina Prince Bythewood of The Old Guard fame is directing the film set to release in theaters on 16th September 2022.
Gabriela McLain, trainer and nutritionist on the set of The Woman King, has disclosed the details of the rigorous physical training the main cast members went through to keep in shape for the film and shoot the combat scenes, which are crucial to the story.
In an interview with People, McLain revealed the cast had to adhere to a strict workout routine combined with strength and weapons training and martial arts for a nine-month-long intense reform to get in shape for their roles and embody the power of the Agojie.
My goal was to pretty much make it natural, just as the woman would look if they were to go and fight since it’s based on true stories. I’m trying to stay authentic, even with the body.
The trainer had them on a strict diet and took good care to plan their dietary plans and their training according to each cast member’s body type and endurance.
I did the DNA testing on all of them, which helped me figure out the best way to train, the best way to protect their muscles and protect their body because they’re all different. There’s no one plan fits all. Everybody needs to train differently.
Viola Davis, who will be playing the lead role of Nanisca, has admitted to feeling “like a badass” after McLain’s training which included “everything from swordplay, spears, machetes. Lots of punching.”
McLain went on to commend the actors on their dedication to the training and their determination to give the stories of these women warriors a spotlight and do them justice.
Every training, they never gave me attitude, and I never had to drag them. They actually wanted to do it, and sometimes would even ask me for more training because they saw the results and how much the hard work paid off,” Mclain adds. “Seeing them transform, it was amazing. I was so proud standing there with tears in my eyes.
The amount of hard work put in by the cast and crew was visible in the trailer released a month ago. Hopefully, the authenticity will only be an added factor in the success of the upcoming 2022 film.
About The Woman King
The Woman King is an American historical epic, directed by Gina Prince Bythewood, about the Agojie, a 19th Century all-woman warrior unit protecting Dahomey.
The film is set in the 19th century in the African kingdom of Dahomey and will follow the Agojie’s general Nanisca, who trains a new generation of warriors to defeat the enemies of their nation and those who seek to destroy them.
The film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Seila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, John Boyega, Makgotso M, and Adrienne Warren. The film released on 16 September 2022.
Source: People
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