Richard Williams (played by Will Smith) is a protagonist in King Richard.
Father and primary coach of Venus and Serena. Develops a detailed training plan, works multiple jobs to support them, and fiercely protects their development. He navigates conflicts with agents, coaches, and family over junior circuit participation and professional transitions, ultimately guiding Venus to her first professional matches and major sponsorships. Rick Macci (played by Jon Bernthal) appears in King Richard.
Established professional coach who recruits Venus and Serena to his Florida facility. He adapts to Richard’s unconventional training approach, questions the family’s media and junior circuit decisions, and advocates for commercial opportunities. He remains a key mentor and supporter throughout their transition to the professional tour. Paul Cohen (played by Tony Goldwyn) appears in King Richard.
Elite tennis coach initially practicing with John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. He assesses the Williams girls, selects Venus for his coaching program, and encourages her juvenile tournament participation. He clashes with Richard over the decision to withdraw from the junior circuit and is ultimately dismissed. John McEnroe (played by Christopher Wallinger) appears in King Richard.
Pete Sampras (played by Chase Del Rey) appears in King Richard.
King Richard (2021) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Richard Williams
(played by Will Smith) — protagonist
Father and primary coach of Venus and Serena. Develops a detailed training plan, works multiple jobs to support them, and fiercely protects their development. He navigates conflicts with agents, coach...
Rick Macci
(played by Jon Bernthal) — supporting
Established professional coach who recruits Venus and Serena to his Florida facility. He adapts to Richard’s unconventional training approach, questions the family’s media and junior circuit decisions...
Paul Cohen
(played by Tony Goldwyn) — supporting
Elite tennis coach initially practicing with John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. He assesses the Williams girls, selects Venus for his coaching program, and encourages her juvenile tournament participation...
John McEnroe
(played by Christopher Wallinger) — cameo
Pete Sampras
(played by Chase Del Rey) — cameo
Canonical Relationships
Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.
Richard Williams → Paul Cohen
(Professional Client And Coach)
Paul Cohen agrees to assess the girls, selects Venus for coaching, and encourages participation in junior tournaments.
Paul Cohen → Pete Sampras
(Professional Training Associate)
Paul is in the middle of practicing with Pete Sampras when he first assesses the girls.
Paul Cohen → John McEnroe
(Professional Training Associate)
Paul is shown practicing with John McEnroe when Richard brings the girls to meet him.
Richard Williams → Rick Macci
(Professional Parent And Coach)
Rick recruits the girls to his Florida facility, while Richard continues directing their training and schooling.
Story Dynamics
Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.
Richard Williams → Pete Sampras
(Social Professional Introduction)
Richard brings the girls to observe Paul while Paul is practicing with Pete Sampras.
Richard Williams → John McEnroe
(Social Professional Introduction)
Richard brings the girls to observe Paul while Paul is practicing with John McEnroe.
Story Analysis
Richard Williams pursues a carefully controlled path toward professional tennis success while protecting his daughters from exploitation and burnout.
