2021 saw the release of one of the biggest movies about tennis, ‘King Richard’. Based on the life of Serena and Venus Williams‘ father, the superhit movie delved into the family’s struggles as the two sisters went on to become two of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. Further, the movie was well-received by the masses and won critical acclaim too. Will Smith, who played the lead role of Richard Williams, won people’s hearts with a starry performance. However, almost two years on, recent reports have alleged the price he named for the role, and boy, is it sky-high!

Meanwhile, Venus was one of the executive producers of the film. The tennis legend has charted her own sporting career, winning an astounding amount in prize money. However, as a startling comparison recently emerged between Will Smith and Venus, even her winnings seem to pale in comparison.

Will Smith’s stunning demand for Venus Williams’ film

As per FandomWire, the 54-year-old Hollywood superstar demanded a fat paycheck to star in ‘King Richard’. While such hefty fees are not alien to Smith, a bizarre comparison with Venus’ career earnings has also come to light. The report stated that Smith allegedly received $40 million to play the film’s lead character, Richard Williams.

This astounding figure nearly equals the entire career prize money earned by Venus. The American tennis legend has amassed $42 Million during her illustrious tennis career. On the other hand, the budget of ‘King Richard’ was $50 Million, with Smith earning a massive chunk from it.

The movie went on to win several awards worldwide, with Smith bagging most of them for the Best Actor category. He even went on to win the Oscar for this role, leaving Venus teary-eyed as he paid tribute to Venus’ father.

Growing up in a close-knit family, the emotional Williams sisters have shared a very deep bond with their father. In fact, Richard taught them to play tennis in a bid to build them a future outside Compton. Their now-ailing father, immortalized on celluloid, was nothing short of unconventional as he turned coach for his daughters.

How Richard Williams trained his daughters

Richard Williams always gunned for balance between work and play as he trained his daughters. For starters is the famous tale of how he, with no prior experience, coached them into stars out of a book.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘There Were Bullet Shells and Syringes’ – Glaring Compton Reality Puts Serena Williams a Notch Above the Rest in GOAT Race as Tennis Legend Makes Intriguing Martina Navratilova Admission

The man also took them out of the junior circuit so that they could enjoy being teenagers. However, one of his most unorthodox calls was perhaps when he grilled Venus about her changeovers.

The 7-time Grand Slam champion recently revealed how her father never took his foot off the gas even during match breaks. At changeovers, he would urge them to write notes on their performance and adapt in order to secure victories. However, this was one instruction to which Venus Williams hardly paid heed. Instead, she would rest and relax to prepare to step on the court again.

Did the movie do justice to the immense resilience and success of the Williams family? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!

WATCH THIS STORY: Distressing Serena Williams Reality Leaves Gaping Void That’s Nearly Impossible to Fill for Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek