Los Angeles, CA – Tennis superstars Serena and Venus Williams’ athletic excellence has manifested by tenacity, resolve, preternatural expertise — and the timeless help their father, Richard Williams. The unsung hero behind their outsized success, Williams will lastly have his story instructed within the upcoming biopic, King Richard — performed by Will Smith.
Reported in a Deadline exclusive Monday (March 4th), the mission is at the moment solely on the spec script stage — written by Zach Baylin — however has secured curiosity from Tim White and Trevor White who will produce King Richard underneath their Star Thrower Leisure manufacturing firm; Will Smith’s manufacturing firm, Overbrook Leisure (I Am Legend and Seven Kilos), may also be concerned.
Whereas the Williams sisters’ on-court triumphs have been well-documented all through their storied careers — totaling a collective 30 Grand Slam victories — information their father’s foundational teaching presence has largely been sidelined — till now.
With none prior tennis information, Richard Williams composed a 78-page plan to assist his then roughly four-year-old daughters obtain pressional tennis success. At that age — regardless of allegedly having to fight-f unapproving neighborhood youths to achieve court docket time — he started teaching Venus and Serena on the inferior courts their Compton residence. Regardless of the substandard enjoying circumstances, Richard Williams outfitted his daughters with the instruments and mentality to turn into champions.
The remaining is historical past.
Years later, and Serena and Venus are thought to be two the game’s most impactful gamers; the previous at the moment holds the Open Period report with 23 Grand Slam titles.
An unassuming coach, Richard Williams didn’t require fancy tools or coaching to mildew his daughters into legends. With the help the Academy-nominated Will Smith, followers will lastly obtain an intimate have a look at Williams’ untold story.