After decades of commanding the screen in powerhouse dramatic roles, Viola Davis is stepping into full action-hero mode in her new Prime Video thriller G20 and she couldn’t be more excited.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the Oscar-winning actress revealed her deep personal inspiration for taking on the high-octane role of U.S. President Danielle Sutton, a military vet who must rescue her family and global leaders when terrorists storm a G20 summit in Cape Town.
I wanted to be the hero in the story. I wanted to be Indiana Jones. Sigourney Weaver in Alien, Harrison Ford in Air Force One, Bruce Willis in Die Hard — I wanted to put this out in the world for my daughter.
Davis shared.
Directed by Patricia Riggen, G20 sees Davis lead a star-studded cast including Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, Christopher Farrar, and Antony Starr (The Boys), who plays the film’s crypto-anarchist villain Rutledge.
Davis, who also produced the film alongside husband Julius Tennon, admitted she was surprised when the project first landed in her lap nearly a decade ago.
I couldn’t believe they saw me in it as this central figure hero. I am seeing myself way more expansively now that I’ve been liberated from the definitions of the world.
she said.
Her character isn’t just a leader she’s a mother and wife, forced to protect her children and husband while navigating a global crisis. That duality was both thrilling and challenging for Davis.
Playing a leader requires negotiating with yourself emotionally [and] intellectually because it’s not about you. How do you save the world and then save your children and your husband when you are saturated with fear?
she explained.
Known for her fierce performances, Davis wasn’t shy about diving headfirst into stunt work. From explosive action scenes to a particularly satisfying kitchen brawl, the Woman King star gave it her all.
I did almost all of it, believe it or not. I’m a masochist. she joked. Maybe it’s the frying pan and knocking someone over the head… Little Viola had the most fun.
I always wanted to play with the biggest boys and pretend to take them down. I was that kid. I wasn’t afraid. Everything else seemed boring to me.
she added.
And while fans may be hoping for a sequel, Davis is ready to leave President Sutton’s journey in the past — at least for herself.
I’m just one of those people [that] when I do a movie, I’m done with it. I think Denzel said that once in an interview, too. It’s like, what is your favorite movie? I’m like, it’s my next one.
she said.
Still, she has ideas for the future of the G20 universe.
Maybe now Serena is the president, [and] she’s in danger. “Who knows? I’m sure the audience will come up with all kinds of scenarios.
Davis teased, referencing her on-screen daughter.
As for what’s next, Davis says she’s ready for some rest — and maybe a few fries. I’ll be riding into the sunset on a horse with some French fries. she quipped.
G20 premieres April 10 on Prime Video.
Source: EW
