Viola Davis opens up on playing U.S. President Danielle Sutton: “It was an interesting challenge”

February 13, 2025 - 1:31 PM IST

Viola Davis is stepping into power like never before. The Oscar-winning actress portrays U.S. President Danielle Sutton in her latest project, and she recently shared insights into the complexity of the role.

Viola Davis opens up on playing U.S. President Danielle Sutton: “It was an interesting challenge”

Speaking about her character U.S. President Danielle Sutton, Viola Davis said, “It was an interesting challenge. I would say that. I mean, you never think that playing a role like the President is going to inform your work so much and inform your choices. I found myself, in so many situations, saying, “I can't do that—I'm the President.” It's that tenuous area, where you have to be very much human—a mom, a wife, and a human being with fragility, with emotions, with mess—but at the same time, you're the President of the United States, which then dictates is a certain behavior, all the time, that you have to funnel your emotions through. All the things that I wanted to do, that I love seeing on screen, I said, “I don't know. I mean, how many people can I kill in one scene?" I'm sure that probably a lot of people who are President have to toe that line, and it's a very difficult line to toe.”

She added, “Well, I think because she's a woman, there's a beautiful sort of alchemy. There's a beautiful connection of both intelligence, empathy, and brawn. She uses her strength when she absolutely has to, and she doesn't question it. At the same time, she still takes a higher road and protects the people that need protection. She’s very heroic in that sense, and in the other sense of really using her intelligence. All three are operating at full tilt. I would always say when we were shooting that it's in those moments, when push comes to shove, that you see those leadership skills, and why she was elected President. That beautiful sort of combination of caring about the least of these, protecting the least of these, using her intelligence, and at the same time doing whatever she physically can to protect herself, the people that she's trying to protect, and her family. It's a beautiful combination of all of that. I don't always see that with movies with men.”

With her signature intensity and depth, Davis is set to bring a compelling and nuanced portrayal of a leader navigating personal and political struggles. Fans can expect a gripping performance as she steps into one of her most commanding roles yet.

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