Fresh from garnering six major Academy Awards nominations including Best Picture, Warner Bros. Pictures’ moving drama “King Richard” will be shown exclusively at select Ayala Malls Cinemas starting February 23.
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. Two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith (“Ali,” “The Pursuit of Happyness”) stars as Richard, under the direction of Reinaldo Marcus Green (“Monsters and Men”).
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. The profoundly moving film shows the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.
For his portrayal of the legendary Williams patriarch, Will Smith has received his third Oscar Best Actor nomination. “King Richard” is also vying in the following Oscar categories: Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Aunjanue Ellis), Best Film Editing, and Best Original Song.
For Will Smith, the story of “King Richard” is a story of “The impossible dream. For the most part, we all have impossible dreams. We have things that we would do if we felt that they were possible, things we would do if we believed. The story of Richard and this family is largely the American dream. There are very few places on earth where Venus and Serena could happen. At the core, this is about wanting to be the best versions of ourselves and sometimes, our circumstances may not line up with that, and it’s up to the strength of the human spirit to overpower circumstances. It’s wish-fulfillment for all of us.”
“King Richard” also stars Aunjanue Ellis (“If Beale Street Could Talk,” TV’s “Quantico”) who plays the girls’ mom, Oracene “Brandi” Williams, Saniyya Sidney (“Hidden Figures,” “Fences”) stars as Venus Williams, Demi Singleton (TV’s “Godfather of Harlem”) stars as Serena Williams, with Tony Goldwyn (the “Divergent” series, TV’s “Scandal”) as coach Paul Cohen and Jon Bernthal (“Ford v Ferrari”) as coach Rick Macci.
Watch “King Richard” exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas – Glorietta, Bonifacio High Street, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Ayala Malls The 30th, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, and Centrio.