Fans of Euphoria can now get a first look at one of their favorite stars, Zendaya, in the romantic sports comedy film Challengers following the release of the film’s first trailer.
Based on a script by Justin Kuritzkes, Challengers tells the story of Tashi, a former player turned coach who, until recently, had molded her husband Art into a top-tier tennis player. But when Art starts losing, he enters a challenger tournament to get back on track. Along the way, he has to compete against Patrick, Tashi’s ex and best buddy from their teenage years. Mike Faist, best known for his big screen debut in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story as Riff, captain of the Jets, for which he won praise and a nomination for a BAFTA, joins Zendaya and Josh O’Connor.
In an interview with Variety, Luca Guadagnino lauded Zendaya’s dedication to her part, saying the actress spent three months training with professional coach and former player Brad Gilbert, also a consultant for the film. Zendaya will also have a significant part as a producer.
Challengers is sure to follow in the footsteps of Guadagnino’s other works, which are known for their emotional depth, sensuality, and opulent aesthetics. Tilda Swinton, Dakota Johnson, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael Stuhlbarg are just a few of the actors he has worked with frequently. Guadagnino’s films I Am Love (2009), A Bigger Splash (2015), and Call Me by Your Name (2017) make up his acclaimed Desire trilogy. In addition, he directed the horror comedy Bones and All (2022).
Challengers‘ world premiere will happen during the 80th Venice Film Festival. The film will be available in the United States on 15 September 2023, pushed back from its original release date of 11 August.
