Viola Davis Shines as U.S. President in Amazon Thriller ‘G20’

Award-winning actress Viola Davis is taking on one of her most powerful roles yet—playing the President of the United States in the new action-packed thriller G20, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Directed by Patricia Riggen, G20 follows U.S. President Danielle Sutton, portrayed by Davis, as she navigates a terrifying terrorist attack during a G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa. With world leaders in danger and her family threatened, President Sutton must take charge in a fight for survival.

For Davis, the role is more than just another character — it’s a full-circle moment. The Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy-winning star reflected on how seeing strong Black women on TV as a child — especially Teresa Graves in the 1974 crime series Get Christie Love!—inspired her belief in what was possible.

“When you see it, you can believe it. When you see it, you can see yourself in it,” Davis said, recalling how empowered she felt watching Graves command the screen. “That 6-year-old Viola has been serving me. My job is to make her squeal.”

The movie also features Anthony Anderson as First Gentleman Derek Sutton, Marsai Martin as their daughter Serena, and Christopher Farrar as their son Demetrius. Davis personally requested Anderson for the role, citing their longtime friendship and shared experiences in the entertainment industry.

The two actors even joked about their bond, admitting that some of their best memories come from snagging goodies at Hollywood gifting suites. “We like the free stuff,” Davis laughed.

With a compelling plot, a diverse and talented cast, and a trailblazing lead, G20 delivers high-stakes action and heartfelt representation. Davis’s portrayal of a commanding and compassionate Black female president is a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood — and one her younger self would be proud to see.

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