Will Smith to play Williams sisters' father in new biopic but critics say he isn't 'black enough'

Many users also questioned why other black actors with darker skin such as Idris Elba or Mahershala Ali had not been considered for the role
UPDATED MAR 6, 2019

Will Smith has just been cast to play the role of Serena Williams' and Venus Williams' father Richard Williams in the new biopic 'King Richard'. However, not everyone is pleased with the decision and social media users took to expressing their disappointment and dismay online. 

According to Twitter users, Will Smith's skin is not dark enough to resemble Richard Williams. Sports writer Clarence Hill Jr. took to Twitter to write, "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."

RELATED TOPICS WILL SMITH

MORE STORIES

John Oliver was bleeped out twice during his brief, 15-second Emmys acceptance speech on live television after he roasted host Nate Bargatze
Sep 15, 2025
Kevin Hart doesn't appreciate paparazzi’s question after viral video of him hosting Diddy’s party resurfaces
Apr 6, 2025
Diddy’s childhood friend Tim Patterson claims Janice Combs’s wild parties often involved pimps, homosexuals, and other adult activities
Apr 6, 2025
Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson tied the knot in 1994, but she initially thought the King of Pop was a creep—and we totally get why
Apr 6, 2025
Riley Keough opens up about the Presley family curse in a candid interview while on tour for her book, 'From Here to the Great Unknown'
Apr 5, 2025
Natalie Morales hits back after her interview with Seth Meyers is removed from all platforms due to a revealing outfit
Apr 5, 2025
"Babyface, can you believe she wants me to dress like a girl?" Michael Jackson told a producer.
Apr 2, 2025
Sofia Vergara also dished out on why she doesn't ever want to play Modern Family's Gloria again
Apr 2, 2025
"It took more and more to get high, and I honestly don't know when your body decides it can't deal with it anymore," Lisa Marie Presley wrote.
Apr 1, 2025
A family member's last-minute intervention saved Michael Jackson from the 9/11 tragedy—here’s what happened
Apr 1, 2025