“This world ain’t never had no respect for Richard Williams. But they’re going to respect y’all.”
In a new trailer for the upcoming film, King Richard, Warner Bros. revealed that Academy award-nominee Will Smith is set to play Richard Williams, father to tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. But, it's Will Smith sneak peak of the trailer yesterday that officially broke the internet.
According to the studio, the film centers on the upbringing of the two iconic athletes from Compton, California (played by Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton) through the eyes of" an undeterred father" with a "relentless drive and unapologetic vision to change the game” with “the power of family, perseverance, and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.”
Against insurmountable odds, Richard led his daughters to the pinnacle of the tennis world that had historically been dominated by white girls. He helped to change the narrative of the game and as a result, Venus and Serena became two of the greatest players of all time.
In addition to Smith, the film also stars Aunjanue Ellis (HBO's "Lovecraft Country") as Oracene "Brandi" Williams, Richard's wife and mother to Serena and Venus, Tony Goldwyn (ABC's "Scandal") as coach Paul Cohen and Jon Bernthal ("Baby Driver") as coach Rick Macci.
Reinaldo Marcus Green directed the film, from a script by Zach Baylin. Its all-star ensemble also includes Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn, and Dylan McDermott.
Pic’s producers are Tim White and Trevor White via their Star Thrower Entertainment banner, and Will Smith under his Westbrook banner.
Serena and Venus Williams exec produced the project alongside their sister Isha Price. Its other executive producers are James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Merims, Lynn Harris, Allan Mandelbaum, Jon Mone and Peter Dodd. King Richard will be released in theaters in the U.S. on November 19th and will also be available to stream on HBO Max (via their Ad-Free Plan) for 31 days following its theatrical release.
