Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and with a screenplay penned by Zach Baylin, King Richard is a 2021 sports biopic which shines a spotlight on the life of Richard Williams — Venus and Serena Williams’ father and coach.
Both the Williams sisters served as executive producers on the film. Speaking to Forbes in 2021 about King Richard, Serena said: “I think it was a great opportunity to see how amazing African-American fathers are.
“A lot of Black men aren’t seen in that light. And a lot of people think that my dad was a different character. He wanted us to have fun first over anything. That’s the thing that I loved most.”
King Richard stars Will Smith in the lead role as the tennis legends’ father, joined by Aunjanue Ellis, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, Saniyya Sidney, and Jon Bernthal in supporting roles.
The biographical sports drama was nominated for six Oscars at the 94th Academy Awards. Bagging a Best Picture nomination as well as a Best Actor nomination and subsequent win for Will Smith.
But it was during that year’s awards ceremony that the infamous Will Smith-Chris Rock slapping incident took place.
King Richard failed to make its mark at the box-office, grossing only $39 million against its $50 million production budget. But with a 90 per cent critics approval rating and a near-perfect 98 per cent audience approval rating — it’s safe to say King Richard was a hit with viewers.
Viewers were impressed with Smith’s portrayal of the Williams patriarch, with one commenting: “No matter what happened at the Academy Awards, Smith’s performance was truly Oscar-worthy. He played a flawed man…flawlessly. Great balance of family/sports scenes and quirky enough to hold one’s interest (not a given in sports movies).”
Another audience review of the film stated: “Loved this movie. It has it all – inspiration, great acting, excellent story. I haven’t seen a movie this good in quite a while. We watched this after seeing the crock of a movie, Babylon, in the theaters and it renewed my faith in movie making.”
While one fan said: “This was an absolute must watch! This movie was very captivating and inspirational. I would recommend to anyone if they’re in need of a feel good movie.”
In a 2022 interview with The Au Review, Will Smith explained what drew him to the role of Richard Williams, sharing: “There was an interview that Venus was doing when she was 13 or 14, and it’s a famous interview where Richard snaps at the reporter. I saw that in real time, and the look on Venus’ face was an image that burned in my heart because that’s how I wanted my daughter to look when I showed up.”
Smith added: “That interview really changed my parenting at that time. That was 20-something years ago, and when the opportunity came up to be a part of this that was the first thing I remember. I knew I wanted to be a father protecting a daughter like that to the world.”
Critic’s reviews followed in a similar vein, with one writing: “The acting is phenomenal, with Will Smith, who plays lead Richard Williams, offering one of his best performances. It’s one of those films that’ll leave you feeling motivated and hopeful — much-needed sentiments in today’s world.”
While another critic commended Smith’s acting chops: “King Richard is an enthralling sports drama. Smith delivers the best performance of his career as Richard.”
And a third reviewer lauded the director: “Director Reinaldo Marcus Green conjures a winning blend of warmth and meaningful complexities.”
King Richard is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video for £1.99.