Will Smith is back after the success of his Oscar win, in EMANCIPATION, a new Feature coming next month to Apple TV+.
Synopsis:
Apple Original Films’ “Emancipation,” directed and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “The Equalizer”) and starring and produced by Will Smith (“King Richard,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Ali”), will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, December 9, 2022. The announcement was made following an advance screening of “Emancipation” hosted together with the NAACP during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 51st Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC., where Fuqua, Smith and Mary Elliott, curator of American Slavery at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, participated in a conversation about the film moderated by politics and culture commentator Angela Rye.
“Emancipation” tells the triumphant story of Peter (Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom. The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly. One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.
Director: Antoine FuquaCast: Will Smith, Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Gilbert Owuor, Mustafa Shakir, Steven Ogg, Grant Harvey, Ronnie Gene Bivens, Jayson Warner Smith, Jabbar Lewis, Michael Luwoye, Aaron Moten and Imani Pullum
Writer: William N. Collage
(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)
The 94th annual Academy Awards returned once again to Dolby Theatre as Cinema’s most prestigious night had altered course during the Pandemic. Taking top honours was Sian Heder‘s CODA, taking Best Picture. The Film is the first-ever Film with a predominantly Deaf Cast to win Best Picture. It premiered at Sundance in 2021, before selling to Apple for a record $25 million, proving a smart investment. The Film written and directed Heder, is based on the 2014 French coming-of-age film La Famille Bélier, centering on a young woman who is the child of deaf parents.
In addition to winning Best Picture, CODA also won Heder Best Adapted Screenplay and Troy Kotsur would take Supporting Actor.
Other major winners included Will Smith for his work in KING RICHARD, landing him Best Actor, proving third time’s the charm after having been nominated thrice for an Oscar.
Jessica Chastain gained much momentum in recent weeks, taking Best Actress for her portrayal of Tammy Faye Bakker in THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE. This also was her third time being nominated for an Oscar, proving once again that third time’s the charm!
Best Director went to Jane Campion for THE POWER OF THE DOG, which was seen as the favourite to win Best Picture. She has the distinction of being the third woman ever to win the category.
Hosted by a Trio of Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall, the night was not without drama. Funnyman Chris Rock when presenting Best Documentary, poked fun at Jada Pinkett Smith‘s baldness which landed him a slap on-stage from eventual Will Smith, in defense of his wife.
#Oscars | Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock In The Face On Oscars Stage After Jab At Wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s Appearance https://t.co/6TZkI48QNh pic.twitter.com/ibpffmh2Mc
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 28, 2022
Things got lighter as this year’s In Memoriam took an uplifting turn with a gospel choir paying tribute to among others Ivan Reitman, Sidney Poitier and Betty White.
Some of the evening’s standout looks at the Oscars:
Holy mother of God. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/G2VU4JgVOB
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) March 27, 2022
Jessica Chastain in Gucci channeling Hollywood Magic Hour. Stunning. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/sjunjKXCwX
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) March 27, 2022
Wilmer Valderrama looks s👀 good in Dolce & Gabanna. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/NswTRuM5LC
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) March 27, 2022
The look of a winner. Ariana DeBose confident in Valentino pantsuit. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/5naNw1E39q
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) March 27, 2022
One went shirtless. One wore a shirt. Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet at the #Oscars for DUNE. pic.twitter.com/6yld0ZWhpn
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) March 27, 2022
A friggin’ Rockstar. Live for Kristen Stewart. Don’t care what the Academy thinks. She has won the night. Chanel has done amazing work tailoring her looks all Awards Season. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/JRNYXxEkgk
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) March 27, 2022
Zoe Kravitz in Saint Laurent. Beautiful, simple. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/PgTuXnrEaQ
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) March 27, 2022
Complete list of winners below:
Best Picture
“Belfast”
“CODA” (Winner)
“Don’t Look Up”
“Drive My Car”
“Dune”
“King Richard”
“Licorice Pizza”
“Nightmare Alley”
“The Power of the Dog”
“West Side Story”
Best Actress
Jessica Chastain, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (Winner)
Olivia Colman, “The Lost Daughter”
Penelope Cruz, “Parallel Mothers”
Nicole Kidman, “Being the Ricardos”
Kristen Stewart, “Spencer”
Best Actor
Javier Bardem, “Being the Ricardos”
Benedict Cumberbatch, “The Power of the Dog”
Andrew Garfield, “Tick, Tick, Boom”
Will Smith, “King Richard” (Winner)
Denzel Washington, “The Tragedy of Macbeth”
Best Director
Kenneth Branagh, “Belfast”
Ryusuke Hamaguchi, “Drive My Car”
Paul Thomas Anderson, “Licorice Pizza”
Jane Campion, “The Power of the Dog” (Winner)
Steven Spielberg, “West Side Story”
Best Original Song
“Be Alive” from “King Richard”
“Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto”
“Down to Joy” from “Belfast”
“No Time to Die” from “No Time to Die” (Winner)
“Somehow You Do” from “Four Good Days”
Best Documentary Feature
“Ascension”
“Attica”
“Flee”
“Summer of Soul” (Winner)
“Writing with Fire”
Best Adapted Screenplay
“CODA,” Sian Heder (Winner)
“Drive My Car,” Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Takamasa Oe
“Dune,” Jon Spaihts and Denis Villeneuve and Eric Roth
“The Lost Daughter,” Maggie Gyllenhaal
“The Power of the Dog,” Jane Campion
Best Original Screenplay
“Belfast,” Kenneth Branagh (Winner)
“Don’t Look Up,” Adam McKay, Story by McKay and David Sirota
“King Richard,” Zack Baylin
“Licorice Pizza,” Paul Thomas Anderson
“The Worst Person in the World,” Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier
Best Costume Design
“Cruella” (Winner)
“Cyrano”
“Dune”
“Nightmare Alley”
“West Side Story”
Best International Feature Film
“Drive My Car” (Winner)
“Flee”
“The Hand of God”
“Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom”
“The Worst Person in the World”
Best Supporting Actor
Ciarán Hinds, “Belfast”
Troy Kotsur, “CODA” (Winner)
Jesse Plemons, “The Power of the Dog”
JK Simmons, “Being the Ricardos”
Kodi Smit-McPhee, “The Power of the Dog”
Best Animated Feature
“Encanto” (Winner)
“Flee”
“Luca”
“The Mitchells vs. the Machines”
“Raya and the Last Dragon”
Best Visual Effects
“Dune” (Winner)
“Free Guy”
“No Time to Die”
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”
“Spider-Man: No Way Home”
Best Cinematography
“Dune” (Winner)
“Nightmare Alley”
“The Power of the Dog”
“The Tragedy of Macbeth”
“West Side Story”
Best Supporting Actress
Jessie Buckley, “The Lost Daughter”
Ariana DeBose, “West Side Story” (Winner)
Judi Dench, “Belfast”
Kirsten Dunst, “The Power of the Dog”
Aunjanue Ellis, “King Richard”
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
“Coming 2 America”
“Cruella”
“Dune”
“The Eyes of Tammy Faye” (Winner)
“House of Gucci”
Best Production Design
“Dune” (Winner)
“Nightmare Alley”
“The Power of the Dog”
“The Tragedy of Macbeth”
“West Side Story”
Best Editing
“Don’t Look Up”
“Dune” (Winner)
“King Richard”
“The Power of the Dog”
“Tick, Tick, Boom”
Best Original Score
“Don’t Look Up”
“Dune” (Winner)
“Encanto”
“Parallel Mothers”
“The Power of the Dog”
Best Live Action Short
“Ala Kachuu – Take and Run”
“The Dress”
“The Long Goodbye” (Winner)
“On My Mind”
“Please Hold”
Best Animated Short
“Affairs of the Art”
“Bestia”
“Boxballet”
“Robin Robin”
“The Windshield Wiper” (Winner)
Best Documentary Short Subject
“Audible”
“Lead Me Home”
“The Queen of Basketball” (Winner)
“Three Songs for Benazir”
“When We Were Bullies”
Best Sound
“Belfast”
“Dune” (Winner)
“No Time to Die”
“The Power of the Dog”
“West Side Story”
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
While they were not televised this year, the 79th edition of the GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS took place tonight in private at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. In response to some controversy over the Hollywood Foreign Press Association‘s lack of diversity and business practices, plus also COVID-19 considerations, the event was scaled back, without stars in attendance this year.
Winning top honours this year in the Film categories were THE POWER OF THE DOG, taking Motion Picture – Drama, Director (Jane Campion) and Supporting Actor (Kodi Smit-McPhee), and also WEST SIDE STORY which took Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, Actress (Rachel Zegler) and Supporting Actress (Ariana DeBose).
In the Television categories, HBO‘s SUCCESSION took top honours for Series Drama, plus Actor in Series Drama (Jeremy Strong) and Supporting Actress – Television (Sarah Snook).
Some surprises in the Motion Picture – Drama Actor and Actress categories with Will Smith defeating THE POWER OF THE DOG‘s Benedict Cumberbatch among others for his work in KING RICHARD, and BEING THE RICARDOS’ Nicole Kidman beating-out favourite Kristen Stewart for SPENCER.
Here are a list of winners:
“The Power of the Dog” | WINNER
“Belfast”
“CODA”
“Dune”
“King Richard”
Will Smith (“King Richard”) | WINNER
Mahershala Ali (“Swan Song”)
Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”)
Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”)
Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”)
Nicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”) | WINNER
Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”)
Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”)
Lady Gaga (“House of Gucci”)
Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”)
“West Side Story” | WINNER
“Cyrano”
“Don’t Look Up”
“Licorice Pizza”
“Tick, Tick…Boom!”
Andrew Garfield (“Tick, Tick…Boom!”) | WINNER
Leonardo DiCaprio (“Don’t Look Up”)
Peter Dinklage (“Cyrano”)
Cooper Hoffman, “Licorice Pizza”
Anthony Ramos, “In the Heights”
Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”) | WINNER
Marion Cotillard (“Annette”)
Alana Haim (“Licorice Pizza”)
Jennifer Lawrence (“Don’t Look Up”)
Emma Stone (“Cruella”)
Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) | WINNER
Ben Affleck, “The Tender Bar”
Jamie Dornan (“Belfast”)
Ciarán Hinds (“Belfast”)
Troy Kotsur (“CODA”)
Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”) | WINNER
Caitriona Balfe (“Belfast”)
Kirsten Dunst (“The Power of the Dog”)
Aunjanue Ellis (“King Richard”)
Ruth Negga (“Passing”)
Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”) – WINNER
Kenneth Branagh (“Belfast”)
Maggie Gyllenhaal (“The Lost Daughter”)
Steven Spielberg (“West Side Story”)
Denis Villeneuve (“Dune”)
“Belfast”| WINNER
“Being the Ricardos”
“Don’t Look Up”
“Licorice Pizza”
“The Power of the Dog”
“Drive My Car” (Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, Japan) | WINNER
“Compartment No. 6” (Juho Kuosmanen, Finland)
“The Hand of God” (Paolo Sorrentino, Italy)
“A Hero” (Asghar Farhadi, Iran)
“Parallel Mothers” (Pedro Almodóovar, Spain)
“Encanto” | WINNER
“Flee”
“Luca”
“My Sunny Maad”
“Raya and the Last Dragon”
“Dune” — Hans Zimmer | WINNER
“Encanto” — Germaine Franco
“The French Dispatch” — Alexandre Desplat
“Parallel Mothers” — Alberto Iglesias
“The Power of the Dog” — Jonny Greenwood
“No Time to Die” from “No Time to Die” (Billie Eilish; written by Eilish, Miles Ale, Finneas O’Connell) | WINNER
“Be Alive” from “King Richard” (Beyoncé; written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Dixson)
“Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto” (Sebastiáan Yatra; written by Lin-Manuel Miranda)
“Down to Joy” from “Belfast” (written and performed by Van Morrison)
“Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” from “Respect” (Jennifer Hudson; written by Jamie Alexander Hartman, Hudson, Carole King)
“Succession” | WINNER
“Lupin”
“The Morning Show”
“Pose”
“Squid Game”
Jeremy Strong, “Succession” | WINNER
Brian Cox, “Succession”
Lee Jung-jae, “Squid Game”
Billy Porter, “Pose”
Omar Sy, “Lupin”
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, “Pose” | WINNER
Uzo Aduba, “In Treatment”
Jennifer Aniston, “The Morning Show”
Christine Baranaski, “The Good Fight”
Elisabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale”
“Hacks” | WINNER
“The Great”
“Only Murders in the Building”
“Reservation Dogs”
“Ted Lasso”
Jason Sudeikis, “Ted Lasso” | WINNER
Anthony Anderson, “black-ish”
Nicholas Hoult, “The Great”
Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”
Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”
Jean Smart, “Hacks” | WINNER
Hannah Einbeinder, “Hacks”
Elle Fanning, “The Great”
Issa Rae, “Insecure”
Tracee Ellis Ross, “black-ish”
“The Underground Railroad” | WINNER
“Dopesick”
“Impeachment: American Crime Story”
“Maid”
“Mare of Easttown”
Michael Keaton, “Dopesick” | WINNER
Paul Bettany, “WandaVision”
Oscar Isaac, “Scenes from a Marriage”
Ewan McGregor, “Halston”
Tahar Rahim, “The Serpent”
Kate Winslet, “Mare of Easttown” | WINNER
Jessica Chastain, “Scenes from a Marriage”
Cynthia Erivo, “Genius: Aretha”
Elizabeth Olsen, “WandaVision”
Margaret Qualley, “Maid”
O Yeong-Su, “Squid Game” | WINNER
Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”
Kieran Culkin, “Succession”
Mark Duplass, “The Morning Show”
Brett Goldstein, “Ted Lasso”
Sarah Snook, “Succession” | WINNER
Jennifer Coolidge, “White Lotus”
Kaitlyn Dever, “Dopesick”
Andie MacDowell, “Maid”
Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso”
Awards Season will culminate in the 94th annual Academy Awards, which take place Sunday, March 27, 2022.
(Photo credit: 20th Century Studios)
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win Cineplex in-theatre passes for two to see KING RICHARD. Believe me this, this true story of Richard Williams and his daughters Venus and Serena (yes, that Venus and Serena!) is a must-see.
Our Review here.
SYNOPSIS:
Based on the true story that will inspire the world, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “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,” “Bad Boys for Life”) 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.
Aunjanue Ellis (“If Beale Street Could Talk,” TV’s “Quantico”) 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 (upcoming “The Many Saints of Newark,” “Ford v Ferrari”) as coach Rick Macci. The ensemble also includes Andy Bean (“IT Chapter Two”), Kevin Dunn (the “Transformers” films, HBO’s “Veep”) and Craig Tate (“Greyhound”).
Green directed “King Richard” from a screenplay written by Zach Baylin. The producers were Tim White and Trevor White under their Star Thrower Entertainment banner, and Will Smith under his Westbrook banner. Isha Price, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Merims, Lynn Harris, Allan Mandelbaum, Jon Mone and Peter Dodd served as the executive producers.
The behind-the-scenes creative team includes Oscar-winning director of photography Robert Elswit (“There Will Be Blood”), production designers Wynn Thomas (“Da 5 Bloods,” “Hidden Figures”) and William Arnold (“The Hate U Give”), Oscar-nominated editor Pamela Martin (“The Fighter”), and two-time Oscar-nominated costume designer Sharen Davis (“Dreamgirls,” “Ray”). The music is by Oscar-nominated composer Kris Bowers (“Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “A Concerto is a Conversation”). A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, A Star Thrower Entertainment Production, A Westbrook Production, A Keepin’ It Reel Production, “King Richard” is slated for release on November 19, 2021 in theatres.
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance!
Enter for a chance to win Cineplex Passes to see #KingRichard.
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) November 17, 2021
How: https://t.co/hBwJyFAIG9 pic.twitter.com/qpsNrlM7Ha
Rules and regulations here.
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See KING RICHARD in theatres November 19, 2021.
Read our highlights from the Press Conference for KING RICHARD here.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)
By Mr. Will Wong
One of this year’s most powerful Dramas is before us. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, KING RICHARD is the true story behind Richard Williams, father of Tennis icons Venus and Serena. The Family-Sports Drama chronicles their uphill battle from their life in Compton to securing a place among Tennis’ elite. Will Smith plays the role of Richard, the often misunderstood mastermind behind the Williams Sisters’ success, supported by some superb performances by Aunjanue Ellis as wife Oracene, Saniyya Sidney as Venus, and Demi Singleton as Serena.
We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday than to sit-in on the Press Conference for KING RICHARD. In attendance were:
Sisters Venus and Serena Williams talk about the surreal experience of seeing their family portrayed on-screen.
Venus: “I think it’s super-emotional. I’ve seen the Trailer, read the Script and every time I watch it, my eyes get watery. I think it was amazing seeing the family atmosphere on the set and how much Demi and Saniyya really acted like me and Serena. I saw them holding hands and it was so sweet! I’m so proud of what everyone has accomplished. It’s pretty surreal to be honest. They really understood our family and portrayed us in a way that was really us and we’re really proud of that.”.
Serena: “No words describe it better than just surreal. To see these incredible Actresses and everyone behind it who put this all together about our dad, his journey because of myself and my sister. Wow, are we really something? It really is super-surreal for me and then to have Will to play my father in the way he just embodied Richard Williams, it just took the Film to a whole new level. It’s so emotional, it’s well-done and a brilliant piece of work.”.
Will Smith talks about what appealed to him most about playing Richard Williams.
Will: “We were talking earlier and there was an interview that Venus was doing when she was 13 or 14 and Richard Williams snaps on a reporter. I saw that in real time and the look on Venus‘ face burned an image on my heart because that’s how I wanted my daughter to look when I showed-up. The interview had really changed my parenting at the time. It was like she had a lion. She was so confident and comfortable that her lion wasn’t going to let anything happen to her. And I fell in love with Richard Williams. That was 20 something years ago. When the opportunity to be a part of this came-up, the first thing I knew I wanted was to show a father protecting a daughter like that to the world.”.
Tim White is one of the Film’s Executive Producers and talks about KING RICHARD‘s long journey to the big screen.
Tim: “I had played Juniors Tennis and sort of knew the story of Richard Williams a little bit and it was something that always really stuck with me, this image of 1999 at the Lipton Championships, him holding up a sign that said ‘I TOLD YOU SO’. Around 2014-2014, Trevor and I started talking about this as a potential idea for a movie. We were both just incredibly inspired by the family’s relentless pursuit of this dream. We started to meet with Writers and for a couple years with 25-30 Writers and found out that there are a thousand different ways to tell this story. It wasn’t until we met Zach that we really zeroed-in on exactly what this was. It was really that Script that started the process of this Film actually becoming real. We sent the Script to Will, Isha and really at that point began to bring this to life.”.
Aunjanue Ellis delivers a powerful Grand Slam as the Williams Sisters‘ mother Oracene. She long has been an acclaimed veteran of the screen (When They Can See Us, Birth of a Nation) and admits she felt like she’s done something right in her career for it to lead her to this coveted role today.
Aunjanue: “I want to say that I give a whole lot of credit to these Filmmakers. They insisted that Miss Oracene not be in the shadows. To do something where we did not see her as a Co-Conspirator of this crazy dream would have been dishonest. We tried to give her the presence she deserved to have because that was the truth.”.
KING RICHARD introduces us to a couple brilliant young talents in Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton as Venus and Serena, respectively. The two talk about bringing authenticity to their roles, and we learned that Saniyya is left-handed and had to learn to play Tennis like Venus on the off-hand.
Demi: “To bring everything together and make it feel as real as possible, I think Saniyya and I just did a lot of research. That was really important to us that everything we did was real because this is not our story, this is theirs. We searched the internet and had Miss Isha there.”.
“The first time I got to speak to Serena was when they surprised us on set. That was such a fun day. They spoke to us about everything but tennis. They spoke about their life and childhood, the people that they dated growing-up. (The Panel laughs) We just got to speak to them as people. It was really fun to get to know that side of Serena.”.
Serena: “We wanted to make sure we were portrayed in the right way.”.
Saniyya: “I was so nervous meeting Venus for the first time. We had such great conversations not about tennis, but just them as people. I’ve looked-up to them too since I was little. It was very important to let people know how big of a heart Venus has. We had such an amazing experience on this set, getting to create this family, not just with my Cast but everyone behind the camera. They made us feel so comfortable. I was excited to try tennis. It was great.”.
Venus: “What was interesting was one of the coaches was someone we went to the Macci Academy with. It’s such a small world that ended-up happening. I think it really connected getting the girls ready for this role.”.
Jon Bernthal is a real revelation as coach Rick Macci and he talks about what he identified with most in KING RICHARD.
Jon: “It’s such an incredible honour to be a part of this family and beautiful story! To me there’s nothing more important in my world than my babies. Parenthood is the most important job, it’s the hardest job and a job you’re never gonna get perfect. For me, the thing I connected with in Rick, talking to some of the folks who played for him, talking to him and talking to Serena about him, was that he loved the game and made it fun. I think that was something with Richard that you could get behind, as weird and quirky as he was with his mustache and hair, you could still get behind this guy.”.
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green talks about the process of making this Film and thought often about his mother.
Reinaldo: “I was on the tennis court once before that, I am a baseball player and in making a movie, I wanted to make a movie that my mom could see. She understands what family, what love is. She understands what struggle is. I made this Movie for folks like my mother who could see this and enjoy it and still understand what’s happening and not get lost in the technical aspects of the sport. We honed-in on what aspects of tennis we needed to tell this story. When we were talking about ‘open stance’, which Venus and Serena used to revolutionize the game of tennis, we had to be specific about that. Let’s talk about how we could use that in the Film to shape the tennis sequences.”.
“Not every film has everyone love each other when you call ‘cut!’. As we know, we were roping each other just to get it in. It is a testament to how much fun we created on the set with Will and Aunjanue being the backbone of the family, not only in the Film, but on-set. They created an environment for everyone to excel and it was amazing.”.
Tony Goldwyn plays Paul Cohen, a coach who played a formative role in the Williams Sisters’ success getting into the Juniors.
Tony: “It was really interesting. Zach‘s Script was one of the things that appealed to me and in this contentious relationship with Richard, there is this playfulness to it and a mutual respect. I found the real Paul Cohen and had long conversations with him. I asked him about his relationship with the Williams family and Venus and Serena. And I asked about the approach he took teaching tennis because I just wasn’t sure. It’s a very intense, high-octane thing. What I want to say is that it’s about family and making it something joyful even though it’s super-intense. He expressed this love for the family and this incredible admiration for Richard, so it validated what I saw in Zach‘s Script. Whatever disagreements they had, was offset by the fact that this man is fighting and advocating for his kids, and Oracene too. For me, my first day on-set, with all the sisters, it was almost like there was some type of a magnet and I thought, ‘This was easy, because this is a family!’. It was seamless when they were on-camera and when they weren’t.”.
Will Smith talks about playing Richard Williams, comparing it to his own experience as a father.
Will: “When I take-on a role I do it to explore something. It was a new idea for me aligning with your children versus directing your children. It was a very, very different concept and approach that was magical in the Williams family that the rules were set, but the rules that were established were divine. So faith was at the center and it was a collective journey we were going on. It wasn’t as a parent, ‘I know and you don’t, so you’re gonna do as I say!’. It was somewhat what eye-opening for me. My father was very military when I was growing up, the kids don’t get a vote. You do what’s established for you. There’s some benefits to that mindset, but this was a very different thing.”.
Zach Baylin talks about not making the Film about chronicling the Williams Sisters’ successes, but more so about giving us an authentic glimpse at their family life and journey.
Zach: “I think that was the big effort. It was going to be a gripping family story that’s not just a SportsCentre package about moments we all know. If we were really gonna get to know the family, we really needed the intimate moments. We collectively had found the architecture of where the Movie is going. It was really about digging-in and doing research, finding the little things that this family did. I wrote first draft of the Script and thought it was pretty good, but sat down with everyone and asked what was it really like in the van, dinner table with Richard. That’s what really brought it to life, not just chronicling greatest hits. It’s a inside look at every moment.”.
Isha Price serves as a Producer on KING RICHARD, but also happens to be Venus and Serena‘s sister. She was on-hand during filming to ensure scenes were captured as authentically as possible as an accurate reflection of her family.
Isha: “It was definitely a journey, this persistence of Tim and Trevor in wanting to tell the story of my dad and not have it be one of vilification, but one of who he was as a father and what he wanted to do, and how the family came together to be able to do that. When it was understood that was what we wanted to happen, it became a lot easier to get behind it. Then was the process of going to my family after reading the Script. There’s this opportunity, there’s this Script, it’s a little raw. There’s definitely things we can finesse and get right. This person is behind it and we have a lot of respect for Will. He wants to get it right and won’t do it unless we bought into idea of doing of what this could be and doing it right and being ourselves. That took some time.”.
“That vilification aspect is still out there. Being able to trust this Filmmaker and this Production Team and everyone can do it the right way. Often time in the sport, you get one chance at it. To make sure it was told right, it was fair and honest. It really displayed the integrity we always tried to have as a family. It took some time to get there with my family. There’s a little bit of distrust as you can imagine being in public eye for so long. To be written about at young age and not have people understand what our family dynamic is like and get asked, ‘Are they close? Do they fight off the court?’. Years and years of that we built-up a bit of distrust. We got there because I did trust that as long as there was gonna be a footprint there – and I might have gotten a couple people upset – it was important for me because I had a responsibility to my family to make sure this story was told right. To have willing participants on this journey with this entire Cast and Production Team wanting to do it right, is why the story is what it is. Everyone had a hand in wanting to get this story right and tell this real hero story of what he was able to do, but also the foundation that my mom was able to lay and be sure that part of the family was there. That was the part we wanted to make sure was right. There are no words for how Aunjanue got it and made sure her presence was felt.”.
Venus and Serena tell us what they hope young girls watching can take away from the Film.
Venus: “Anything is possible and to always believe in yourself, never doubt. Doubt does nothing for you. The time you spend doubting is the same time you can spend believing in you. As a family you can achieve anything. This is a Family film. Even if you don’t understand tennis, you understand family. Surrounding yourself with family can take you higher.”.
Serena: “You really do have to believe in yourself that anything is possible. There’s nothing wrong with setting your goals high. The sky is literally the limit.”.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release KING RICHARD in theatres November 19, 2021.
Read our Review here.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Canada)
KING RICHARD is the true story of Tennis icons The Williams Sisters and their father. Check out the brand-new Trailer for the Film!
Synopsis:
Based on the true story that will inspire the world, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “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,” “Bad Boys for Life”) 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.
KING RICHARD arrives in theatres November 19, 2021 via Warner Bros. Canada.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)
We are thrilled to give Readers in Toronto + Vancouver a chance to win Advance Passes to see SPIES IN DISGUISE!
Screening Date: Saturday December 14, 2019
Screening Locations:
Toronto – Yorkdale Cineplex Theatre at 10:00AM
Vancouver – Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver at 10:00AM
Synopsis:
Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is … not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo are forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise – transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic… pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril.
Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please indicate your City of choice. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!
Rules and regulations here.
20th Century Fox Canada release SPIES IN DISGUISE Christmas Day.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)
Check-out the brand new Trailer for SPIES IN DISGUISE, in theatres this Christmas!
Synopsis:
Twentieth Century Fox presents a Blue Sky Studios production, “Spies in Disguise,” an animated spy comedy adventure set in the slick, high-octane, globe-trotting world of international espionage. Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is…not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo is forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise-transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic…pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril.
See the Trailer:
Mark Ronson x Anderson .Paak have teamed-up from THEN THERE WERE TWO, a Track from the Film’s Soundtrack. Check it out here:
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)
Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of GEMINI MAN in Toronto + Montreal on October 9, 2019.
Synopsis:
Gemini Man is an innovative action-thriller starring Will Smith (Will Smith) as Henry Brogan, an elite assassin, who is suddenly targeted and pursued by a mysterious young operative that seemingly can predict his every move. The film is directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Ang Lee and produced by renowned producers Jerry Bruckheimer, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger. Also starring are Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen and Benedict Wong.
Artwork:
See the Trailer:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Tell us in the comments tell us one thing you would tell your younger self to avoid. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance.
Paramount Pictures Canada release GEMINI MAN Friday, October 11, 2019.
Rules and regulations here.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see Disney’s ALADDIN!
Screenings take place in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.
Synopsis:
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1992 classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, gritty, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith; Mena Massoud; Naomi Scott; Marwan Kenzari; Navid Negahban; Nasim Pedrad; Billy Magnussen; and Numan Acar. “Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin, p.g.a., and Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Marc Platt and Kevin De La Noy serving as executive producers. Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and new music written by Menken and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Please indicate your City in the comments. You also may Re-Tweet this Post from @mrwillw for an extra chance!
Disney’s ALADDIN is in theatres Friday, May 23, 2019.
(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)
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