Viola Davis: ‘I’m Not Trying To Water Myself Down To Fit the Larger Narrative'

Viola Davis' film 'G20' releases on 10 April.

Viola Davis plays United States President Danielle Sutton in G20.

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram/ Altered by The Quint)

Ahead of the release of her latest film G20, actor Viola Davis joined The Quint to talk about her legacy, how she picks the characters she portrays, what women bring to the action genre and more.

When asked if the actor has noticed a shift in the industry when it comes to women-led projects, Davis said, "I saw the shift really early on in my life with Sigourney Weaver in 'Alien', I think that was one of the first big surprises. Some might say Gena Rowlands in 'Gloria' but it was sort of a slow trickle."

"It's a beautiful surprise because I think what we bring to the action genre, is heart. Not that there isn't heart anywhere else because I am a big 'Air Force One', 'Die Hard' girl but it's a different definition of a 'hero' that we bring to the genre."

Viola Davis, Actor

While talking about the projects she chooses to work on, Davis talked about how she's mindful that a film 'reflects the world' and gives the audience the 'broad spectrum of humanity'.

"I think I always bring my story with me, wherever I go," Davis added, referring to the way her life's experiences shape her life and career, "If I were to guess, I think that's what people see. I don't try to be like anyone else, I stay in my lane."

"I embrace my age, I embrace my race, I embrace my sex. I am not trying to water it down or filter it in order to fit the larger narrative. I think there's something about people who do live in their authenticity and even people who do not - it gives them the courage to do the same."

Viola Davis to The Quint

G20, starring Davis, Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, Antony Starr, and others is slated for release on Amazon Prime Video on 10 April.

Watch the video for the complete interview.