John Boyega interview : The Woman King

John Boyega reveals how crucial it was to include some comedy in The Woman King.

30 year-old Star Wars actor who landed a role in the historical drama – starring Viola Davis and Lashana Lynch – is set in the 1800s and focuses on a group of all-female warriors working to protect the African kingdom of Dahomey.

When faced with a new threat, Nanisca (Viola) must train the next generation of recruits to fight against a foreign enemy.

The basic framework of the film, which is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is inspired by true events, but the plot is heavily fictionalised, as the female warrior group did actually exist, but certain elements have been dramatised.

John, who stars as King Ghezo, explained that the cast were aware of the heavy themes involved within the movie, but that didn’t stop them from having fun nonetheless.

Speaking to press he said ‘We always knew that this movie dealt with some intense topics and there was trauma in there, but we knew that we would end the movie with healing people but we also wanted people to laugh.

‘Sometimes we can’t take things all the way serious, so we have to have moments where we laugh and let go and show elements of that culture.

‘Gina [director] wanted there to be lightness and tough elements of the issues we go through.’

The Woman King has already topped the box office following its US release, and The Force Awakens star believes the film’s success ‘reinforces’ the need for strong 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.

‘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 cinemas on Tuesday October 4.