Five reasons Cynthia Erivo should portray Serena Williams

Cynthia Erivo wants more. The Tony-winning singer and actress has so much going for her—Broadway acclaim, a budding silver-screen career and the support of her entertainment peers.

Perhaps that momentum has thrust the Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale performer out into the open about a particular desire she has: to portray Serena Williams on the big screen. Williams is in Melbourne this week readying for her first round against Tatjana Maria.

While this was first reported by *Vogue* in October, the news got short shrift, perhaps overshadowed even weeks later by reactions to Serena's spectacle in the US Open final.

Erivo notes her affinity for Serena began in seeing the 23-time major champion excel on the court, her physical strength on full display. (And as a sidebar on that, it's beautiful to see the array of ways in which a tennis star—or, honestly, anyone—can inspire others.)

Such sublime casting would suit Erivo exceedingly well in a few ways. So let's count them:

1

She has the presence for it. In her lead-off major film performances, Erivo has stuck out—in the best way. She's a bona fide star.

2

Generally, she has the physique. As she herself has stated, Erivo boasts some strong arms. (Cons: She's 8 inches shorter than the GOAT, and 5 years younger. Still, these facts are speed bumps, not blockers.)

3

Britain's got talent. To hear her tell it, and though she's certainly still a novice, Erivo has a measure of tennis talent. (Rejoice, tennis fans/purists: This would not be Kirsten Dunst's Wimbledon eyesore strokes.)

4

She's already met her muse. Serena and Erivo are pals, and the diminutive chanteuse attended her superstar friend's wedding to Alexis Ohanian, Sr.

5

She knows how to inhabit the role of a hero. Erivo will portray American icon Harriet Tubman in the forthcoming film Harriet, currently in post-production.

Just consider this take that Erivo has on Serena: "There’s this fiery, determined champion. [A]nd then there’s this really gorgeous, almost Marilyn Monroe–esque siren—something really quite ethereal."

Talk about a compliment. And if imitation remains the most sincere form of flattery, portraying Serena in a feature film—yea, giving her that ballyhooed biopic treatment—would also serve to illuminate Erivo's already-bright star wattage. Now that's a startling women-supporting-women proposition, one to which the phrase "All boats rise" readily applies.

In closing: Do your thing, studio chiefs. The proverbial ball is squarely in your court.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.

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