‘King Richard’ Release Date, Cast, Trailer, Plot: Will Smith’s New Williams Sisters Movie
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King Richard charts the rise of world tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. The true story is told entirely from the perspective of the Williams sister’s father, Richard Williams, and stars Will Smith in the titular role. Newsweek has everything you need to know about King Richard including release date, cast, trailer, plot, and more.
When is ‘King Richard’ out?
Originally, King Richard was set for release in October 2020 but faced delays as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
One year later, King Richard finally has a release date and will hit movie theaters and HBO Max on Friday, November 19.
To watch King Richard via HBO Max, you must be a HBO customer. You can sign up to HBO Max for $14.99.
What is ‘King Richard’ about?
King Richard will track the rise of Serena and Venus Williams, told from the perspective of their supportive father, Richard Williams.
Richard Williams coached his daughters from a young age, who have since gone on to become world champions, Olympic gold medalists, and Grand Slam champions.
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 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. King Richard is a profoundly moving film that shows the power of family, perseverance, and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.”
The film was directed by Monsters and Men’s Reinaldo Marcus Green, with a script written by rising screenwriter Zach Baylin.
Serena and Venus Williams served as executive producers on the film, alongside their sister Isha Price.
Who stars in ‘King Richard’?
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Oscar-nominated actor Will Smith stars as Richard Williams, Serena and Venus’ dedicated father.
This is not the first time Smith has portrayed a real-life figure in his career. He has previously received two Oscar nominations for portraying legendary boxer Muhammad Ali in Ali and Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness.
Lovecraft Country’s Aunjanue Ellis stars as Serena and Venus’ mother, Oracene ‘Brandy’ Price.
Hidden Figures star Saniyya Sidney takes on the role of Venus, the oldest Williams sister and former world No.1, and Godfather of Harlem’s Demi Singleton portrays former world No.1 champion, Serena Williams.
Jessica Jones star Susie Abromeit, two-time Emmy nominee Dylan McDermott, Scandal’s Tony Goldwyn, and Baby Driver’s Jon Bernthal also star in King Richard.
Also starring in King Richard are Andy Bean, Kevin Dunn, Katrina Begin, Judith Chapman, Noah Bean, and Erin Cummings.
Is there a trailer for ‘King Richard’?
Yes, there is an epic-looking trailer out now for King Richard.
In the clip, Richard Williams, played by Smith, is heard saying through tears: “This next step you have got to take.
“You are not going to be just representing you, you are going to be representing every little black girl on Earth.”
The trailer then flashes through intense training sessions and the men of the tennis training world looking gobsmacked at Venus and Serena’s ability.
Towards the end of the trailer Richard is heard saying: “This world ain’t never had no respect for Richard Williams. But they’re going to respect y’all.”
The trailer comes to an end with Richard telling his two daughters, who are sitting in the car: “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.”
King Richard premieres in cinemas on Friday, November 19, and will be available to stream via HBO Max.
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