“She was a physical manifestation of a dream.”
Viola Davishopes her historical epicThe Woman Kingcarries legendary actressCicely Tyson’s legacy into the future.
“What is my message?
Lashana Lynch, Viola Davis, Shelia Atim in ‘The Woman King’.Ilze Kitshoff/TriStar Pictures
That you’re worthy.
That’s what I would give to them, and this movie is a gift to them.”
Davis added that she, too, bulked up her body and soul for the physically demanding project.
“We did the weight lifting and blasted the music right on our driveway,” Davis recalled.
That gives you a swagger.
It gives you a huge swagger."
The Woman Kingopens in theaters on Sept. 16.
Watch PEOPLE and EW’s full interview with Davis and the cast above.
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