Will Smith hit by trolls who say his skin isn’t dark enough to play Serena and Venus Williams’ dad in new movie
The Hollywood star has been cast in King Richard, which is based on the tennis coach's life
WILL Smith has attacked by trolls for being "too light" to play Serena Williams' dad in a new biopic.
The 50-year-old actor has been cast to play the tennis ace's father Richard but sports writer Clarence Hill Jr wrote: "Colorism matters... love Will Smith but there are other black actors for this role."
Another wrote: "Why is he always cast in roles portraying dark skin men like there aren't tons of black actors that would make more sense for the role?"
A third said: "I love Will Smith more than anyone but why not cast Mahershala Ali or somebody darker skinned like the man being portrayed actually is #DarkSkinMatters."
Other also suggested that Idris Elba should play Richard, who was Serena and her sister Venus's tennis coach and manager.
But there were those who supported the movie's decision to cast the Seven Pounds actor.
One fan hit back: "So Will Smith is now a light-skinned actor. You lot do too much IMO."
Another wrote: "I'm confused. Apparently some people are complaining about Will Smith's casting in this because he is too light?!?
"Sure he's not as dark as Mr Williams but he is a good actor and a bankable asset."
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The movie - called King Richard - focuses on Richard overcoming hardship, scepticism, controversy and his own troubled past to teach his daughters to play tennis from the age of four.
Serena has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, starting with the US Open in 1999.
Venus has seven Grand Slam singles, starting with Wimbledon in 2000. The sisters have combined for 14 Grand Slam doubles championships.
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