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Movies & TV

28th Jul 2021

Will Smith could be an Oscar contender playing Venus and Serena Williams’ father in King Richard

Stephen Porzio

The movie will be out in Irish cinemas this November.

Although he is one of Hollywood’s most famous stars, Will Smith has never won an Oscar.

The Fresh Prince has been nominated twice before, for 2001’s Ali and 2006’s The Pursuit of Happyness – both movies in which he played real-life people.

While the actor in recent years has mostly stuck to the type of action-blockbusters that rarely get awards attention – Aladdin, Bad Boys For Life, Gemini Man, Suicide Squad –  he will next be seen starring in another biographical drama King Richard, one which could very well see the A-lister finally achieve Oscar glory.

The movie will follow the journey of Richard Williams (Smith), an undeterred father with a plan to take his daughters Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton in California to the global stage as legendary tennis icons.

Reinaldo Marcus Green (Joe Bell) will direct the film, which will also star Aunjanue Ellis (If Beale Street Could Talk), Jon Bernthal (The Punisher) and Tony Goldwyn (Scandal).

Saniyya Sidney (Hidden Figures, Fences) will play Venus Williams, with Demi Singleton (Godfather of Harlem) as Serena.

King Richard will be released in Irish cinemas on 19 November 2021. Watch the new trailer for the movie below.

Clip via Warner Bros. UK & Ireland

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