Will Smith Paid ‘King Richard’ Costars From His Own Pockets to Compensate for Day-And-Date Release

King Richard star Will Smith opened his wallet for his own costars, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The actor plays the father of Venus and Serena Williams in the upcoming biopic, which was one of many films affected by WarnerMedia’s decision to give 2021 films day-and-date releases in theaters and on HBO Max. In response, Smith shelled out money to his fellow actors to help compensate for lost theatrical returns.

“Smith enjoyed a hefty payday — according to reports, as much as $40 million — and then personally wrote checks to the cast which includes Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton, who play Venus and Serena, Tony Goldwyn, Jon Bernthal, and Aunjanue Ellis,” THR reported. A source also described the payments as “a nice bonus, given by Smith on top of what they already received from the studio as compensation for the pivot to simultaneous HBO Max release strategy.”

In December 2020, WarnerMedia announced that Warner Bros.’ entire 2021 slate — which also includes In the Heights, Dune, and The Matrix 4 — would receive day-and-date releases amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While WarnerMedia executives Jim Wuthrich and Michael Bonner called the model a “winning strategy” during an August appearance at the Digital Entertainment Group Expo, the studio hasn’t announced day-and-date releases for its 2022 slate.

“[Day-and-date availability] does take some of the demand, but it also adds to it in other ways,” Wuthrich said at the time. “Net-net, it’s hard to tell because we haven’t been through the full cycle.”

King Richard debuts in theaters and on HBO Max on Nov. 19.

Where to watch King Richard