PHILIPPINES, APRIL 4, 2022 – From Warner Bros. Pictures comes King Richard, an inspiring biographical film about Richard William, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted tennis athletes of all time. The award-winning sports film premieres Saturday, April 9 first on HBO GO.
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters and Men), King Richard stars Will Smith (Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness, Bad Boys for Life), who won the ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ at the 94th Academy Awards® for his portrayal of Richard William, and Aunjanue Ellis, who earned her first ‘Best Supporting Actress’ Oscar® nomination. Producers Tim White, Trevor White and Will Smith were nominated for the ‘Best Picture’ prize. The screenplay by Zach Baylin was given a nod for ‘Best Original Screenplay’ while Pamela Martin (The Fighter) was in the running for the ‘Best Film Editing’ category. The film’s theme song ‘Be Alive’ featuring lyrics and music by DIXSON and Beyoncé, scored a ‘Best Original Song’ nomination.
Based on the true story that will inspire the world, King Richard follows the uplifting journey of a family whose unwavering resolve and unconditional belief ultimately delivers two of the world’s greatest sports legends: Venus and Serena Williams.
Armed with a clear vision and a brazen 78-page plan, Richard Williams (Smith) is determined to write his daughters, Venus and Serena, into history. Training on Compton, California’s abandoned tennis courts – rain or shine – the girls are shaped by their father’s unyielding commitment and their mother’s balanced perspective and keen intuition, defying the seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing expectations laid before them.
Aunjanue Ellis (If Beale Street Could Talk, Quantico) plays the girls’ mother Oracene “Brandy” Williams, Saniyya Sidney (Hidden Figures, Fences) stars as Venus Williams, Demi Singleton (Godfather of Harlem) as Serena Williams, with Tony Goldwyn (the Divergent series, Scandal) as coach Paul Cohen and Jon Bernthal (the upcoming The Many Saints of Newark, Ford v Ferrari) as coach Rick Macci. The ensemble also includes Andy Bean (IT Chapter Two), Kevin Dunn (the Transformers films, HBO’s Veep) and Craig Tate (Greyhound).
Isha Price, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Merims, Lynn Harris, Allan Mandelbaum, Jon Mone and Peter Dodd were executive producers. The behind-the-scenes creative team includes Oscar-winning director of photography Robert Elswit (There Will Be Blood); production designers Wynn Thomas (Da 5 Bloods, Hidden Figures) and William Arnold (The Hate U Give); and two-time Oscar-nominated costume designer Sharen Davis (Dreamgirls, Ray). Music is by Oscar-nominated composer Kris Bowers (Space Jam: A New Legacy, A Concerto is a Conversation).
Filipinos can stream or download King Richard from April 9 first on HBO GO. Also enjoy the Oscar-winning blockbuster Dune and other award-winning films such as Judas and the Black Messiah, Bohemian Rhapsody, Tenet and more on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at www.hbogoasia.ph or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store on your device for as low as ₱99.70/month. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.