Viola Davis steps into the shoes of an action hero, drawing inspiration from Indiana Jones in her newest film, G20, directed by Patricia Riggen. This thrilling adventure places Davis at the center as Danielle Sutton, the current U.S. president and a former military veteran, who rises to the occasion when the G20 summit in Cape Town is attacked.
For Davis, this role is a significant departure from her traditionally dramatic roles, allowing her to embrace iconic action personas, reminiscent of Sigourney Weaver in Alien or Bruce Willis in Die Hard. “I wanted to be the hero in the story,” Davis shares, a desire deeply rooted in her passion for acting and nurtured by action legends like Harrison Ford. This desire was recognized early on by producer Andrew Lazar when he first approached Davis with the script in 2015, providing her the opportunity to redefine traditional roles.
Davis not only stars in G20 but also produces the film with her husband and producing partner, Julius Tennon. She portrays a strong U.S. president defending world leaders and her family from a group of tech-savvy rebels. With Anthony Anderson playing her husband, and Marsai Martin and Christopher Farrar as their children, the stakes become deeply personal. “Playing a leader requires negotiating with yourself emotionally,” Davis explains, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities her role demands.
Showcasing her dedication, Davis performed nearly all her stunts, finding joy in the action. A particularly exhilarating sequence takes place in a kitchen, which tapped into Davis’s childhood aspiration of facing off against formidable opponents, a testament to her enduring love for storytelling through performance.
The film serves as a reminder of the joy in acting, a sentiment Davis has found essential in her long-standing career. “One thing that people don’t understand when you’ve been in the business a long time is that you can forget the fun,” she notes, reflecting on the creative freedom G20 provided her.
While fans may speculate about a sequel, Davis remains pragmatic, having no intention of reprising her role. “I’m just one of those people [that] when I do a movie, I’m done with it,” she states, sharing thoughts on future storylines that might place her character’s daughter, Serena, in the leading role.
G20 is set to premiere on April 10 on Prime Video, promising an exhilarating blend of action and character-driven drama, with Viola Davis redefining the landscape of heroes for future generations.
