Viola Davis Leads Female Warriors Into an Epic, Real-Life Battle in 'The Woman King' Trailer

You just saw Viola Davis play Michelle Obama in Showtime's limited series The First Lady, now see her transform into the leader of the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors that protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. Sony Pictures just released a trailer for The Woman King, which will debut in theaters on Sept. 16, and you can watch it below.

Davis plays General Nanisca, that aforementioned leader, in the film inspired by real events, as she trains the next generation of warriors. As the trailer previews, "an evil is coming that threatens our kingdom, our freedom," but these women are a weapon the enemy (aka colonizers who want to enslave and conquer) is not prepared for.

"Some things are worth fighting for," the general says in the trailer. "You are called to join the King's Guard. No kingdom in all of Africa shares this power. Train hard, fight harder. We fear no one, and we fear no pain."

"I offer you a choice," she continues. "Fight, or we die."

The trailer offers some first looks at the intense stunt work the film will showcase as the general's new recruits train and then go into battle. But it also showcases the sheer will of the characters to protect their honor and their freedom.

The film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who also co-writes the screenplay along with Dana Stevens from a story by Maria Bello. Cathy Schulman, Davis, Julius Tennon, and Bello serve as producers, while Peter McAleese is the executive producer.

Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega also star.