‘The Woman King’ starring Viola Davis earned $19 million in total box office sales over the weekend, bringing the film’s box office earnings well above the $16 million in expectations. The film premiered in 3,271 theaters after debuting to positive reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival.

‘The Woman King’ also stars Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega, and is based on true events and is centered on the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who historically protected the Dahomey African Kingdom in the 1800s. Agojie’s warriors battle with skills and a relentlessness that stopped at nothing to protect their home.  The film follows General Nanisca (Davis), as she prepares the following generation of recruits. Nanisca readies the new warriors for battle against a powerful adversary who wants to rid them of their lives and culture.

Coming in at No. 2 is Barbarian with $6.3 million, followed by Pearl at No. 3 with $3.12 million, See How They Run at No. 4 with $3.1 million and Bullet Train at No. 5 with $2.5 million.

The Woman King is in theaters now.  You can check out the trailer – here.

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