Venus and Serena Williams’ Legacy Returns to the Silver Screen as Liz Maccie Unveils Exciting New Project

Bruce Schoenfeld’s 2004 non-fiction book, ‘The Match: Althea Gibson & Angela Buxton: How Two Outsiders – One Black, the Other Jewish – Forged a Friendship and Made Sports History,’ tells the remarkable story of two trailblazing tennis players. Despite facing discrimination and exclusion, Althea Gibson, the first Black Wimbledon champion, and British-Jewish rising star Angela Buxton teamed up at the 1956 Wimbledon doubles tournament. Against all odds, they won, forging a lifelong friendship. Imagine the cinematic magic if visionary producers Venus and Serena Williams, renowned for impactful sports stories like ‘King Richard’, brought this inspiring rivalry to the big screen. Wouldn’t that be exciting?

Here’s the thrilling news: Liz Maccie, the writer behind Netflix’s Nonnas, is adapting this tale for film! The 1Community team shared on Instagram, “‘The Match’ tells the true story of how, in the face of discrimination and exclusion, British-Jewish rising tennis star Angela Buxton and African American athletic virtuoso Althea Gibson formed an unlikely pair that took Wimbledon by storm and forged a lifelong friendship. We are excited to share this one with all-stay tuned for more!” The project is officially in motion.

Adding star power behind the scenes, the Williams sisters bring major star power as executive producers on this film, joining forces with their half-sister, Isha Price, according to Deadline. Serena’s Nine Two Six Productions is also on board, adding its creative muscle. Alongside producers from Four Daughters, 1Community, and Access Entertainment, the project is shaping up to be a powerful celebration of resilience, friendship, and groundbreaking sports history.

The news was also shared by Price on her Instagram story, reposting CEO Scott Budnick’s post: “Love having multiple movies with @lizmaccie writing 💪🏽,” tagging Isha’s handle. Isha replied in her story, “Yup!!” Looks like everyone’s excited for this new production to unfold, right?

And rightfully so! Venus and Serena Williams’ most recent production credit is Serena’s executive producer role in the 2024 documentary series ‘In the Arena: Serena Williams.’ This intimate series offers viewers an in-depth look at her legendary tennis career and personal journey.

Before that, both sisters served as executive producers on the acclaimed 2021 film King Richard, chronicling their father Richard Williams’ instrumental role in their rise to tennis stardom. Serena said, “It was a surreal experience to see our family’s story brought to life on screen, and to have been a part of that process as executive producers made it even more special.”

Looking ahead, Serena is also listed as an executive producer for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel Carrie Soto is Back, announced in April 2025 and currently in development for future release.

Serena Williams serves up Netflix’s ‘Carrie Soto Is Back’

On April 14, Serena announced on Instagram that she is executive producing a Netflix series based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2022 bestseller, ‘Carrie Soto Is Back.’ The story centers on Carrie Soto, a tennis legend who retired after a record-breaking career. When a young star, Nicki Chan, threatens her Slam record, Carrie makes a comeback six years later. With her father coaching and a complicated romance in the mix, it’s a gripping tale of ambition and resilience.

Author Taylor Jenkins Reid credits Serena and Venus Williams as key inspirations. In a 2022 Goodreads interview, Reid said, “My incredible respect for the Williams sisters is part of what makes me interested in tennis.” She added, “I wouldn’t write a book about tennis without the influence of just the absolute glory that has been their journey, but also specifically Serena’s quest to get as many Grand Slam titles as she has managed to do.”

Serena isn’t new to producing. In 2023, she executive produced COPA 71, which won the Thinking Audience award at the 2024 Athletic Club’s Film Festival. Now, with this Netflix project and collaborations with her sister Venus and half-sister Isha, Serena’s off-court career is just as exciting as her legendary tennis run. What do you think? Share your thoughts below!