You can’t talk about tennis without mentioning Serena and Venus Williams. Perhaps the best athletes to ever live (we’re only a little bit biased), the Williams sisters took the tennis world by storm for not only their incredible athletic feats but also for being unapologetically Black. They rocked cornrows and natural hairstyles while beating opponent after opponent, respectability politics be damned. But though we often share the siblings’ tales of greatness, what’s perhaps missing from their narrative is who got them there.
That’s what the incoming film King Richard aims to do—spotlight and give credit to the man who shaped the two greatest athletes. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, this sport biopic follows Richard Williams and his journey of taking his two daughters out of Compton, California and into the tennis big leagues.
With a talented cast backing the film (Richard is played by award-winning actor, Will Smith), and enough dramatic scenes to make you shed a tear or two, King Richard is damn-near a guaranteed hit. Ahead of the film’s release, take a look at the veteran and first-time actors helping to tell the Williams’ family story for the first time.
Watch King Richard on HBO Max
Richard Williams (Will Smith)
King Richard is not this comedic actor’s first biopic. Avid Smith fans like myself will remember his portrayal of homeless salesman Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness or of the legendary boxer in Ali. Did he kill those roles? Absolutely. So there’s no doubt in my mind that Smith is prepared to embody Richard’s tenacity and grit in the film while giving him dramatic depth and emotionality. Grab some tissues and get ready for some tears.
Venus Williams (Saniyya Sidney)
On the surface, it seems as if Sidney is a new face to the entertainment scene. But, if you paid attention just a bit more closely, you’d know that this teenaged actress has a lot of credits under her belt. From starring in Hidden Figures to American Horror Story: Roanoke, Sidney isn’t the newcomer you might have expected her to be. Expect for her portrayal of Venus to be accurate, if not downright exact.
Serena Williams (Demi Singleton)
King Richard is Singleton’s feature debut. But, what she lacks in experience, she makes up for in determination. Speaking with W Magazine, the young actress said she just knew she was born to perform. Maybe that’s why she landed on Broadway at just 12.
Oracene Price (Aunjanue Ellis)
Emmy-nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis stars as Oracene Price, the mother and coach of the Williams sisters. With Ellis’ extensive experience with emotional dramas—When They See Us and If Beale Street Could Talk, to name a few—Will Smith won’t be the only actor bringing tears in the theater.
Tunde Price (Mikayla Bartholomew), Lyndrea Price (Layla Crawford), and Isha Price ( Daniele Lawson)
The remaining Williams siblings are played by newcomers Mikayla Bartholomew, Layla Crawford, and Daniele Lawson. But don’t let their inexperience fool you: This may be their feature film debut, but they’re guaranteed to bring the humor, drama, emotion, and more.
Rick Macci (Jon Bernthal)
Jon Bernthal, known as the titular hero in Marvel’s The Punisher and antagonist Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead, is no stranger to playing tough guys. But as Rick Macci, the legendary coach who took a chance on the Williams sisters, he shows his softer side.
Paul Cohen (Tony Goldwyn)
Goldwyn is an expert at playing complicated characters. From daddy-boy-turned-president in Scandal to a megalomanic in Lovecraft Country, the actor has his fair share of, uh, interesting roles to say the least. So, it’s kind of refreshing to see him become Paul Cohen, Venus’ first professional coach. Paul may not be as insecure as Fitz or power-hungry as Samuel Braithwhite, but he’s no less captivating.
Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario (Marcela Zacarias)
Who’s better to play one of the tennis greats than a real-life tennis player herself? Marcela Zacarias of Mexico may not have any acting credits, but the professional athlete knows her way around a ball and racket. And with this role, that’s the only experience you need.
Melanie Curry
Melanie Curry is an Editorial Fellow for Men’s Health who specializes in culture and entertainment and has written for The List, Boston Magazine, and HelloGiggles.
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