Written by Kianna Best on Apr 28, 2025. Posted in Production News

Prime Video's G20 takes Cape Town

Viola Davis leads a powerhouse cast in G20, an explosive political thriller filmed in Cape Town, South Africa. With Marsai Martin's JuVee Productions at the helm, the film blends high-stakes action with a commitment to representation and storytelling. From production delays to dynamic performances, discover how this Amazon Prime Video feature became a landmark moment for global filmmaking and Black creative leadership.​

Viola Davis in G20. (Photo Credit Ilze Kitshoff/Prime Video). © Amazon Content Services LLC

When G20 premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 10 April, 2025, audiences were treated to a gripping blend of political intrigue and high-octane action. At its core, the film showcases Viola Davis as U.S. President Danielle Sutton, a former war hero who must navigate a terrorist siege during the G20 Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. But beyond its thrilling narrative, G20 stands as a testament to collaborative storytelling, representation, and the global potential of filmmaking.

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Directed by Patricia Riggen and penned by Caitlin Parrish, Erica Weiss, and the Miller brothers, G20 boasts a starstudded cast. Alongside Davis, Anthony Anderson portrays President Sutton's husband, Derek, while Marsai Martin takes on the role of their tech-savvy daughter, Serena. The ensemble is rounded out by Ramón Rodríguez, Antony Starr, Douglas Hodge, Elizabeth Marvel, and Sabrina Impacciatore.

Sabrina Impacciatore, Viola Davis and Douglas Hodge in G20. (Photo Credit Ilze Kitshoff/Prime Video). © Amazon Content Services LLC

A significant force behind G20 is JuVee Productions, co-founded by Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon. The company has long championed diverse narratives, and with G20, they continue this mission.

The choice of Cape Town as the primary filming location adds authenticity to the narrative while highlighting South Africa's burgeoning film industry. The production faced challenges, notably the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, which led to delays despite an interim agreement. Davis chose to pause filming in solidarity with her fellow actors, showcasing her commitment to the industry and its professionals . Filming resumed in January 2024 and concluded by March, with the city's landscapes providing a dynamic backdrop to the film's intense sequences.

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Images courtesy of Prime Video