By Matt Neglia
Warner Bros. has released the trailer for “King Richard” starring Will Smith, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn & Dylan McDermott. The film will be released in theaters on November 19th and on HBO Max the same day for 31 days following the theatrical release.
Click below to see the trailer.
Plot Synopsis: Based on the true story that will inspire the world, “King Richard” follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons. “King Richard” is a profoundly moving film that shows the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.
What do you all think of the trailer? While it may look like many other inspirational sports dramas we’ve seen before, Will Smith seems to be in “The Pursuit Of Happyness” territory here, delivering an emotional performance that could capture the hearts of audiences and Academy members, bringing him his first Oscar win. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green has so far given us the emotionally complex “Monsters And Men” and the emotionally simple “Joe Bell.” Which one will show up for this latest effort? My guess is more of the latter than the former. Still, the film’s uplifting message of the Williams sisters standing in as an inspiration for other Black women out there is a powerful one that will surely resonate if appropriately handled (aka—not putting all of the focus on their male father). Despite that potential hurdle (and a sad recent development in real-life pertaining to Olympian athlete Simone Biles), the marketing is making it clear that this is the Will Smith show. Even with his shaky high-pitched accent and the film’s conventional genre tropes on display, this looks to be delivering the goods for what will most likely be a crowd-pleaser come this Thanksgiving. What do you think, though? Let us know your thoughts though in the comments below or on our Twitter account.
You can follow Matt and hear more of his thoughts on the Oscars and Film on Twitter at @NextBestPicture
