The 2013 documentary The Battle Of The Sexes reignited interested in a moment in tennis history that electrified the US back in 1973. Indeed, the doc sparked rival movies to go into development, with Fox Searchlight backing one starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell, while HBO was planning their own movie about the event. While the latter doesn’t look like it’s happening anymore, the trailer for the former has now arrived.
Here’s the synopsis: ‘In the wake of the sexual revolution and the rise of the women’s movement, the 1973 tennis match between women’s World #1 Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and ex-men’s-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) was billed as the BATTLE OF THE SEXES and became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time, reaching 90 million viewers around the world. As the rivalry between King and Riggs kicked into high gear, off-court each was fighting more personal and complex battles. The fiercely private King was not only championing for equality, but also struggling to come to terms with her own sexuality, as her friendship with Marilyn Barnett (Andrea Riseborough) developed. And Riggs, one of the first self-made media-age celebrities, wrestled with his gambling demons, at the expense of his family and wife Priscilla (Elisabeth Shue). Together, Billie and Bobby served up a cultural spectacle that resonated far beyond the tennis court, sparking discussions in bedrooms and boardrooms that continue to reverberate today.
BATTLE OF THE SEXES also stars Sarah Silverman (‘Masters of Sex’), Bill Pullman(The Equalizer) and Golden Globe® nominee Alan Cumming (‘The Good Wife’).’
The film is due out in the UK on October 20th. Take a look at the new trailer below.
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