Will Smith Shelled Out Bonuses to ‘King Richard’ Co-Stars
(Hollywood, CA) Movie News: After WarnerMedia pivoted to day-and-date releases for its 2021 slate, the star and producer opened up his checkbook to compensate his fellow actors who were impacted financially by the lost theatrical returns.
When WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar opted to launch the studio’s 2021 theatrical slate day-and-date in theaters and on streaming service HBO Max, it had to rush to offer top-tier talent make-goods for lost theatrical returns.
Will Smith, who produced and stars in the upcoming King Richard as the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, took it a step further, shelling out his own money to his co-stars, THR confirmed with two sources close to the film.
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, among others. A source 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. A rep for Smith had no comment.