King Richard: 2021 movie trailer, release date of film starring Will Smith as Venus and Serena Williams' father

Will Smith has been cast in the role of Richard Williams in a new film about the rise of tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams.

Smith was seen portraying Williams senior in a trailer for the movie which focuses on the two sisters’ early years as they hone their tennis skills.

The film is based on the true story of the sisters rise to stardom and the struggles that went with it, while celebrating their roots and heritage.

According to Warner Bros, King Richard is 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.”

In the film’s trailer, Smith portraying Williams says: "This next step you have got to take.

"You are not going to be just representing us, you are going to be representing every little black girl on Earth."

Who is in the King Richard cast?

Alongside Hollywood star Smith, Aunjanue Ellis takes up the role of the girls' mother with Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton playing Venus and Serena.

When is King Richard out in the UK?

King Richard was due to be released in October 2020 but was pushed back like many films due to the Covid pandemic.

It is now scheduled for a 19 November 2021 release in cinemas and HBO Max.