Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, is the subject of a new Showtime production starring Viola Davis.

When it was announced that the former "How to Get Away With Murder" star would be portraying the role, many fans were skeptical that she would be able to pull it off - primarily because they believe they do not look alike.

However, following the first episode, which aired on April 17, the rumor mill died down. The series was viewed by millions of people.

On the other hand, while no one objected to her outstanding acting abilities on the show, social media couldn't stop talking about her face features.

Michelle Obama's dedication and hard work behind the scenes will be showcased in "The First Lady" as her husband, Barack Obama, becomes the first African-American president in the history of the United States.

The conversation, on the other hand, has centered on Viola's apparent character decision, with many viewers questioning why she purses her lips multiple times in the premiere episode.

The actual Mrs. Obama is also recognized for having a similar mannerism, but other fans believe that Viola performing it is an overreaction to the situation.

One Twitter user expressed concern about Viola's obsessive imitation of her lip movement, stating that it is "concerning."

She contrasted Emma Corrin, who played Princess Diana on "The Crown," who nailed the late royal's mannerisms "without them appearing excessive or silly," the Twitter user said.

 

Another social media user expressed the hope that it would only take one episode for Viola to intensify the lip-pursing and that it would not happen again on subsequent episodes.

Viola Davis Earns Praises

While others are noticing the negativity, some Twitter users are praising Viola Davis for her ability to pick up on even the smallest details of Michelle's life. Some others even congratulated her on her accomplishments.

"I never believed I'd see the day when Viola Davis had a horrible performance," says another.

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Viola Davis Commitment To 'The First Lady'

Regardless, the award-winning actress has been quite open about her commitment to this project, even admitting that she does not want to insult Michelle Obama with her portrayal of the former first lady.

When you're alone, there are those quiet moments when you have to make a creative decision that you'll regret afterwards.

A further explanation of how Viola navigated as an artist was provided by her statement, which stated, "There are some minor intricacies with which I can just take creative license and hope that I'm not insulting her with it."

Meanwhile, Michelle Obama is said to have given her blessing to Viola Davis's involvement in the film.

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Tags: Viola Davis The First Lady showtime Michelle Obama