We are in the dog days of summer as the Tokyo Olympics are in full swing. Seeing the world's best athletes compete while representing their country always fills me with pride and respect for what humanity can accomplish. What we sometimes lack is the arduous path it takes to get there. Underdog tales always make for great movies and King Richard looks to give us an unabashed look at the rise of two of the greatest sports icons of all time.
Led by Will Smith in what could be an Oscar-worthy role, King Richard chronicles the rise of Venus and Serena Williams from the city of Compton to the courts of Wimbledon. Not just an aspirational tale but one of commitment and perseverance, this movie looks like a sure-fire showcase for what Smith can achieve as an actor when not shooting guns or cracking wise. Closer to Six Degrees of Separation than the schmaltzy The Pursuit of Happyness, King Richard looks to be game, set, match.
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. Two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith stars as Richard, under the direction of Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters and Men).
Driven by a clear vision of their 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. The profoundly moving film shows the power of family, determination, and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.
Aunjanue Ellis (If Beale Street Could Talk, Quantico) plays the girls’ mom, Oracene “Brandi” Williams, Saniyaa Sidney (Hidden Figures, Fences) stars as Venus Williams, Demi Singleton (Godfather of Harlem) stars as Serena Williams, with Tony Goldwyn (the Divergent series, Scandal) as coach Paul Cohen and Jon Bernthal (upcoming The Many Saints of Newark, Ford v Ferrari) as coach Rick Macci. The ensemble also includes Andy Bean (IT Chapter Two), Kevin Dunn (the Transformers films, HBO’s Veep), and Craig Tate (Greyhound).
King Richard is set to hit the court in theaters on November 18, 2021.