Brie Larson: Will She Replace Emma Stone and Play Billie Jean King in Upcoming Film?

Brie Larson is reportedly in talks to play the role of tennis legend Billie Jean King in an upcoming film called Battle of the Sexes. Emma Stone was initially cast in the leading role, but had to back...
Brie Larson: Will She Replace Emma Stone and Play Billie Jean King in Upcoming Film?
Written by Kimberly Ripley
  • Brie Larson is reportedly in talks to play the role of tennis legend Billie Jean King in an upcoming film called Battle of the Sexes. Emma Stone was initially cast in the leading role, but had to back out because of a scheduling conflict.

    Steve Carell is set to play Bobby Riggs in the film.

    The story of Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs was a defining event back in 1973, when the 29-year-old number 2 ranked female tennis star rose to the challenge and beat the 55-year-old retired former Wimbledon champion Riggs.

    Brie Larson appears in the recent Amy Schumer film Trainwreck. She also played the role of Rachel for two seasons of Community.

    Battle of the Sexes is just one of three upcoming projects based on the infamous tennis match. The other two are the HBO and Playtone film Proof, starring Elizabeth Banks and Paul Giamatti. Chernin Entertainment and Gary Sanchez’s Match Maker featuring Steve Conrad’s as writer, with Will Ferrell signed on to play Bobby Riggs.

    Billie Jean King is an intricate character. Does Brie Larson have what it takes to portray her accurately?

    And how about her tennis skills? Brie Larson not only must learn about Billie Jean King’s persona, but she needs to be at least a fairly decent tennis player, too.

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