Will Smith Gave ‘King Richard’ Co-Stars Bonuses To Compensate For Simultaneous HBO Max & Theater Film Release

Will Smith Reportedly Gives ‘King Richard’ Co-Stars Bonuses To Compensate For Simultaneous HBO Max & Theater Film Release

Will Smith is taking ‘being a team player’ to a new level.

As beneficial as streaming services have become over the years for the viewing public, they can sometimes have a negative impact on the pockets of actors. The cast of the soon-to-be-released film ‘King Richard’ unfortunately had to deal with their own loss of earnings after WarnerMedia made the decision to simultaneously release the film in theaters and on HBO Max.

Following this decision, Will Smith, 53, who produced the project and stars as Richard Williams in the film, stepped up to make sure his co-stars would be compensated for the money they missed out on due to the home and theatrical release of the biopic.

According to reports, on top of what they already received from the studio as compensation, Will Smith, who allegedly earned $40 million for his work on the film, gave personal bonuses to the film’s cast. An insider claims that the ‘Fresh Prince’ actor personally wrote “checks to the cast” to assist in replacing any earnings they may have lost due to WarnerMedia’s decision.

Saniyya Sidney, 15, and Demi Singleton, 14, who play Venus and Serena Williams in the film, Tony Goldwyn, 61, Jon Bernthal, 45, and Aunjanue Ellis, 52, were listed as some of the recipients of Will’s bonus, according to reports.

Will Smith, Demi Singleton, Saniyya Sidney

The highly-anticipated ‘King Richard’ film is a biopic drama that follows the life of Richard Williams, the father and coach of well-known tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. The movie will be released in theaters and via HBO Max on Nov. 19.

What are your thoughts on Will Smith’s generosity towards his co-stars? Tell us in the comments below! 

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