Will Smith Spreads the Love — and the Streaming Make-Goods
When WarnerMedia decided to launch its 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 has learned. Smith enjoyed a hefty payday — according to reports, as much as $40 million — and then personally wrote checks, described by one source as a nice bonus, to the cast, including Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton, who play Venus and Serena. At the recent Elle Women in Hollywood event, both of…
