'King Richard': Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton to play young Venus and Serena Williams in Will Smith starrer
Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton have been cast as Venus and Serena Williams in the Warner Bros biopic 'King Richard' starring Will Smith.
The film is based on the life of Richard Williams (Smith), the father of famous tennis players Venus and Serena. The movie will revolve around his struggle and the challenges he faced to make sure that his daughters become one of the world's best tennis players. The sisters have managed to leave their mark in the field by winning 30 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals.
Aunjanue Ellis will be joining the cast and playing the role of Brandi Williams. Reinaldo Marcus Green will be directing the movie that has been written by Zach Baylin, reported Deadline.
This movie will allow viewers to see the hard work and dedication that was put in from their father to make his daughters be remembered for their excellence.
The film is being produced by Tim White, Trevor White, and James Lassiter while Allan Mandelbaum, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Caleb Pinkett will serve as executive producers.
Previously, many people were not happy with the news that Smith will be playing the role of Serena and Venus's father. Some of them thought that he wasn't "black enough" for the role. Many took to social media to express their disappointment with the casting: "Colorism matters. Love Will Smith but there are other black actors for this role."
Another user commented, "Sure Will Smith is black BUT he is a light-skinned black who is palatable to white audiences. Richard Williams is an outspoken dark-skinned black man. Yes, skin tone matters a lot on how you are treated in society."
"I dig Will immensely but plenty other brothas that could better portray Mr. Williams in appearance," another user echoed.
Meanwhile, others felt actors such as Idris Elba or Mahershala Ali would have been a better fit for the role.
The movie is set to release on November 25.