King Richard is a biographical drama starring Will Smith, depicting the inspiring life of Richard Williams. The protagonist is none other than the father and coach of world-famous tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams.
King Richard is scheduled for release on November 19 2021 by the HBO Max streaming service. Based on the true life of Richard, Serena and Venus Williams, the story follows the future tennis champions in their youth from the perspective of their father.
The official synopsis from Warner Bros reads:
“Based on the true story that will inspire the world, King Richard follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Driven by a clear vision of theirVen future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons.”
Who is Richard Williams?
Richard was born in Louisiana in 1942 and was subjected to extreme racism and violence as a child. From a young age, Richard picked cotton and in an interview has spoken about how he was beaten by a white man as a five-year-old, as well as several other racist attacks.
It was this drive to make sure that his children’s lives were successful that inspired him to coach his daughters into future world champions. This began after he read about pro tennis player Virginia Ruzici earning $40 000 during a tournament.
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2003 Serena stated:
“He stayed up many nights watching films so he could teach us. He taught our mum, and then they taught us…
‘Our father doesn’t get enough credit. He showed us how to serve, and we have the biggest serves in women’s tennis.”
Cast & Crew
Starring alongside Will Smith as Richard is Saniyya Sidney as Venus and Demi Singleton as Serena. Other notable cast members include Tony Goldwyn, Jon Bernthal, Dylan McDermott and Erin Cummings.
The biopic is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green best known for his film Monsters and Men in 2018, which won the Special Jury Award for Outstanding First Feature at Sundance. And it was written by Zach Baylin who has worked on Side Effects (2013_ and the upcoming film Creed III.
The two Williams sisters will also serve as executive producers on the film, alongside their sister Isha Price.
Epic Trailer
Warner Bros. Pictures released an epic looking trailer full of emotion and drama. In the trailer Richard says, “You are not going to be just representing you, you are going to be representing every little black girl on Earth.”
And towards the end he is heard saying:
“This world ain’t never had no respect for Richard Williams. But they’re going to respect y’all.”
“There ain’t nothing more dangerous in this world than a woman who knows how to think. Do you want to show them how dangerous you are? Venus and Serena are gonna shake up this world.”
Check out King Richard’s amazing trailer now!
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