Saniyya Sidney of Fences and Hidden Figures and Demi Singleton of Godfather of Harlem are ready to take the next step in their careers. The two actresses have signed on to portray young Venus and Serena Williams apiece in the upcoming Warner Bros./Will Smith biopic King Richard, according to Deadline.
Alongside the Sidney and Singleton castings, Emmy-nominated When They See Us actress Aunjanue Ellis has officially signed onto King Richard as Venus and Serena’s mother Brandi Williams. With Will Smith serving as a creative supervisor, Reinaldo Marcus Green will be directing the film based on a script compiled by Zach Baylin.
King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams, the firm but caring father of Venus and Serena Williams who played a hand in transforming his daughters into two of the greatest tennis players the world has ever seen. The film will be handled by Westbrook Studios and Star Thrower with a production team consisting of Tim White, Trevor White, and James Lassiter. Will’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, Allan Mandelbaum, and Caleb Pinkett will act as the film’s executive producers, with Peter Dodd serving as a supervisor on behalf of the studio.
King Richard is eyed for a November 25, 2020 release date.