Part of the process: Serena and Venus Williams revealed that they signed off on Will Smith playing the role of their father in King Richard which is receiving rave reviews (seen 2018)

She continued, ‘When he signed on to the role, we were definitely excited because he’s the real deal, and he surpassed all expectations. He truly did his part to understand our dad and embody his spirit.’

The Williams sisters also gave a thumbs up to other actors who were eventually cast including Saniyya Sidney, who played Venus, and Demi Singleton, the film’s Serena.

Venus had some very nice things to say about the young actresses who took on the task of playing her and her sister, 40.

‘The real deal’: Venus said she was excited when Smith said yes because he is ‘the real deal’ (pictured November 2021)

Really embodying their father: Venus also said the Smith took the time to ‘understand our dad and embody his spirit’

‘It means more to me than I can express,’ she said. ‘Seeing the time, energy, and heart that both Saniyya and Demi put into mastering these roles is so inspiring. They both have incredible careers in front of them, and to honor our family the way they did, I will be forever grateful!’

King Richard centers on the Williams family’s early years when Venus and Serena’s father Richard did everything in his power to make his children tennis stars, going as far as even writing out a 78-page plan.

The movie has received quite a bit of critical-acclaim since its release including earning a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a 98% from audiences.

Back to the beginning: King Richard centers on the Williams family’s early years when their and father did everything in his power to make his children tennis stars (Venus and Serena in 1998)

Coming a long way: Though she started in Compton, Serena Williams continued to take off. She posted this outside Audemars Piguet, a luxury watch company she is an ambassador for

While it has clearly made quite the impression on people who have seen it, the movie’s box office numbers have faltered out of the gate.

According to Box Office Mojo by IMDbPro the movie had made under $13 million at domestic theaters and just over $5 million internationally as of this past Thursday. The film had a $50 million budget.

King Richard features a number of well-known actors including Punisher actor Jon Bernthal, Ray Donovan star Liev Schreiber and Lovecraft Country actress Aunjanue Ellis.

Clearly a success: Whatever Richard did clearly work as both his girls have won multiple Grand Slam titles (pictured 2016