‘The Woman King’: Interesting facts about Seputla Sebogodi and Thuso Mbedu’s next film

South Africans sure do love to see one of their own shining on the world stage, so you can imagine their delight when they found out former Generations actor Seputla Sebogodi would be joining the star-studded cast of the upcoming epic The Woman King.

The film already features talents such as Lupita Nyong’o, John Boyega, Lashawna Lynch and South Africa’s own Thuso Mbedu.

The cast won’t be the The Woman King’s only links to South Africa. Here are a few more interesting facts about the movie. 

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• According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Woman King is inspired by true events that took place in the Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.

• The story follows Nanisca (played by Viola Davis), the general of an all-female military unit, and Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), an ambitious recruit. Together, the pair fight enemies who violated their honour, enslaved their people and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for.

• Boyega will play Dahomey’s ruler, King Ghezo.

• Viola Davis is part of the film’s production team alongside the likes of Cathy Schulman, Julius Tennon, Maria Bello and Jack Blue. Director of Netflix’s ‘The Old Guard’ Gina Prince-Bythewood has been hired to direct the film.

• The Woman King will reportedly be filmed in Cape Town

• The South African reports that more local actors may join the cast of ‘The Woman King’ some point

Sebogodi is best known for his role as the entertainingly villanous Kenneth Mashaba on the SABC1 soapie, Generations. He has since filled a number of similar roles which leads fans to believe that he has been cast as a bad guy in The Woman King. 

Although little else has been confirmed about his role, South Africans will be watching developments surrounding The Woman King with keen interest with a view on showing support once the project finally makes its way to cinemas. 

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