“The most dangerous thing in the world is a woman who knows how to think,” says actor Will Smith in his latest biopic transformation in Warner Bros. and Overbrook Entertainment pic King Richard.
Smith plays Richard Williams, the real-life father of superstar tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. Based on the true life story of the Williams’ family, initially, Williams had no idea how to play tennis when he immersed his daughters in the sport. Despite this, he was determined to keep the sisters off the streets of Compton, as he pushed them toward greatness in academics and sports.
Williams was inspired by a tennis player he saw receiving a huge check on television. Then, he did the ultimate thing that most successful people have said they’ve done in their quest for fame, riches, and success, he manifested his vision for his daughters by creating a nearly 100-page plan for his children’s career — before they were even born.
Once he wrote the plan down, Williams proceeded to raise his two daughters using a tough love method in which he trained and coached the young ladies on every level, including specific tennis techniques and productive strategies to deal with harsh criticisms. Williams’ plan has not only proven to be successful, but has exceeded his wildest dreams.
“Sometimes, it brings tears to my eyes,” Williams said in an interview with CNN. “I couldn’t live the way I live if it wasn’t for them.”
The official trailer, released over the weekend, stars Will Smith as Richard Williams, Aunjanue Ellis as mother Brandi Williams, Demi Singleton as Serena, and Saniyya Sidney as Venus. Reinaldo Marcus Green of Top Boy and Monsters and Men fame directed the film, working from a script penned by new scribe Zach Baylin (Creed III).
King Richard is expected to release in movie theaters and HBO Max on Nov. 19, 2021.
Watch the official trailer below:
