Desire for Fun & Popularity: Davis explicitly stated, "I don’t think every movie you do has to be considered for an Academy Award. I wanted to do something that families could watch together, something popular." She added, "I needed some levity in my life."
Embracing Action: The role of a U.S. President fighting terrorists in "G20" appealed to her inner child, making "six-year-old Viola squeal." She embraced the physicality, building on training from "The Woman King."
Balancing Career: While known for award-winning roles in films like "Fences" and "Doubt," Davis emphasized the need to balance heavy drama with lighter fare, stating, "internally you’re always trying to get back to the fun."
Why this matters: Davis's choice highlights an actor's agency to pursue diverse roles beyond typecasting or prestige expectations. It underscores that accomplished artists can seek enjoyment and broad audience appeal in their work.
Viola Davis stands as one of her generation's most respected actors, holding the rare 'Triple Crown of Acting' (Oscar, Emmy, Tony) and the even rarer EGOT status (including a Grammy). Her performances in "Fences," "The Help," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and the series "How to Get Away With Murder" cemented her reputation for dramatic depth.
However, in "G20," streaming on Prime Video from April 20th, Davis steps into a distinctly different arena. She plays U.S. President Danielle Sutton, who must rely on her own combat skills when terrorists attack the G20 summit she's attending. The plot involves the terrorists aiming to use deepfakes of world leaders to manipulate global currencies.
Davis explained her decision to The Times of London, noting the internal need to reconnect with the "imagination playground" that first drew her to acting, away from the pressures of awards and critical scrutiny. Choosing a role described as an "ass-kicking American president in a preposterous hoot of an action movie" was met with an enthusiastic "Hell yeah!" from the actress.
The film features a cast including Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin (reuniting with her *black-ish* co-star Anderson), Ramón Rodríguez, and Antony Starr. Davis, who also produced the film with her husband Julius Tennon, emphasized wanting to appear capable and strong in the role, aligning with her portrayal of a general in "The Woman King."
Q: Why did Viola Davis take an action movie role in 'G20'?
A: She wanted to do something fun, popular, and bring levity to her career, stating that not every film needs to be aimed at awards. It appealed to her desire for enjoyment in her work.
Q: What is 'G20' about?
A: It's an action thriller where Viola Davis plays the U.S. President who must fight back when terrorists take world leaders hostage during a G20 summit, planning to use deepfakes for financial gain.
Q: Who else stars in 'G20'?
A: The cast includes Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, Ramón Rodríguez, Elizabeth Marvel, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Antony Starr.
Q: When can I watch 'G20'?
A: "G20" begins streaming on Prime Video on April 20th.
Versatility is Key: Davis's move reminds us that talented actors thrive on diverse challenges and aren't confined to a single genre.
Entertainment Has Value: Sometimes, the goal is pure entertainment and fun, both for the creators and the audience.
Representation Matters: Seeing a woman of color, particularly one nearing 60, lead a major action film continues to break barriers.
Viola Davis proves that incredible range includes kicking butt! Do you enjoy seeing acclaimed dramatic actors take on action roles?
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Source 1: Viola Davis Did an Action Movie Because Not ‘Every Movie You Do Has to Be Considered for an Academy Award. I Want to Do Something Popular’ target="_blank"
Source 2: Viola Davis: ‘Play the president? Hell yeah!’ target="_blank"
Source 3: Marsai Martin and Anthony Anderson Have a black-ish Reunion at the G20 Premiere target="_blank"
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