Will Smithis preparing for his next big role — and embracing a new look to go along with it.
The actor, 51, was photographed on the set of his new filmKing Richard, which is focused on the life ofRichard Williams, father of tennis superstarsVenusandSerena Williams, and how they became who they are after Richard’s coaching throughout their childhoods.
Smith sported a gray beard, black ball cap, gray sweatshirt, black leggings, white pants and a black and white checkered jacket as he worked on the film.
Despite not having an extensive background in tennis, when Serena, now 38, and Venus, now 39, were children, Williams wrote up a 78-page plan to make them tennis stars. He began giving lessons to his daughters when they were 4-years-old.
The sisters are now two of the most famous tennis players in history: Serena has won 23 Grand Slam tournaments, and Venus has won seven.
TheImageDirect.com; AP Images
“It all started with an idea,” Serenaonce said. “It was his idea. It’s changed sports. It’s changed history.”
“He’s been the most important person in my career,” she added.
The film also starsJon Bernthalas Rick Macci, who coached the Williams sisters as well as Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati and other notable tennis players.
Playing the young sisters are Saniyya Sidney as Venus and Demi Singleton as Serena.
This is the latest film Smith is embarking on, having debutedBad Boys for Lifein January and releasing three films in 2019 including Disney’sAladdin,Spies in DisguiseandGemini Man.
Richard Williams with his daughters in 1991.Paul Harris/Online USA/Getty
Smith andMartin Lawrencespoke at length about reuniting for the third installment in theBad Boysfranchise, tellingEllen DeGeneresin December they were happy to be back.
“It’s been really special,” Smith said while onTheEllen DeGeneresShow. “We just got back. We shot some pieces in Atlanta, and just people seeing us together on the street — there’s like this really magical thing withBad Boys.”
“I didn’t know people had that kind of energy towards it,” he added, with Lawrence, 54, chiming in, “Well we’re back! We’re here!”
source: people.com
