Will Smith will play Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, in the movie “King Richard.”

The film is based on a script by Zach Baylin, which was a runner-up on the 2018 Black List, centers on Richard Williams inspiring story of overcoming hardship, skepticism, controversy, racism and all the odds to instruct his daughters, the greatest tennis duo of all time, starting when they were four years old on the tennis courts of Compton, California — even when he didnt have a background in tennis.

The two sisters have combined for 14 Grand Slams doubles championships and singles titles at a total of 30 Grand Slams. Serena has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, starting with the US Open in 1999. Venus has seven Grand Slam singles, starting with Wimbledon in 2000.

Tim and Trevor White will produce under their Star Thrower Entertainment banner, which has backed “The Post,” “Wind River,” and “Ingrid Goes West.” Smith will also produce under his Overbrook Entertainment company. The executive producers include Allan Mandelbaum from Star Thrower Entertainment and Caleeb Pinkett from Overbrook Entertainment. The co-producers include Mary Solomon and Rick Rickertsen.

Smith is represented by CAA. Source : Variety.