Viola Davis says her role in blockbuster ‘Suicide Squad’ gives her the "clout" to pursue a diverse range of projects.
The 51-year-old actress portrays intelligence officer Amanda Waller in the DC Extended Universe film, the woman who creates the black ops band of supervillains to protect America from the threat of hostile metahumans.
Viola was pleased to land a role in such big budget movie alongside the likes of Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto because it proves she can be a "bankable" star provides her with the influence to get roles in more serious cinema projects and get films close to her heart off the ground with studios like Warner Bros. Pictures.
In an interview with the Metro newspaper, she said: "Being part of the DC Universe gives you the clout that affords you to do the projects you want, because you have to be bankable. You have to thin that way in this business. Because it is a business."
Viola has proven her "clout" with her acclaimed performance as Rose Lee Maxson in drama ‘Fences’, which was written by the late August Wilson and is based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name.
Viola was named Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the BAFTAs in London last Sunday (12.02.17) and is one of the favourites to walk away with the Best Supporting Actress Oscar at the upcoming Academy Awards in Los Angeles, at which ‘Fences’ is up for a further three prizes; Best Director and Best Actor for Denzel Washington and Best Picture.
Despite her incredible success, Viola admits she still feels like a bit of an imposter in Hollywood.
She said: "I think it’s ingrained in the DNA of any actor, the feeling that you can do better."
Viola Davis: Suicide Squad has given me box office clout
