LUCA Guadagnino is famous for directing films filled with emotionally complex characters, and his newest project is no different.
Challengers, described as a romantic sports drama film, is already receiving applause and acclaim ahead of its debut, with critics praising the cast’s performances, Guadagnino’s cinematic shots, and the film’s captivating storyline.
Is Challengers based on a true story?
Challengers is centered on the past and present lives of a trio of characters, including a former tennis prodigy-turned-coach, Tashi, who finds herself entangled in a love triangle between her current husband, Art, and her ex, Patrick.
In true movie fashion, the trio used to be the best of friends in their youth, and now, Art and Patrick coincidentally find that they are each other’s main competition in an upcoming tennis match.
While the movie focuses on real people and real performances, it is not based on a true story.
However, the film’s screenwriter, Justin Kuritzkes, was inspired to write his debut screenplay after looking into his family’s history – and after watching a recent tennis match.
Kuritzkes was “researching his grandfather’s life when inspiration struck,” according to Celebrity Nine.
His grandfather was bureau president of Queens, New York City, which is home to the US Open, in the 1980s.
While looking into the US Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium, Kuritzkes came across a 2018 tennis match between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka.
“I had not been much of a tennis fan, but my family is full of tennis fans,” Kuritzkes recalled.
“Watching Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka in the finals together, there was a controversial call about Williams receiving coaching from the sidelines.”
“I had never heard of that, but it clicked with me as an intensely cinematic situation,” he said.
“I thought it would be an interesting place for two guys who hadn’t seen each other in a long time to meet again,” he added.
Who is in the cast?
Challengers is largely centered on three primary characters: Tashi Duncan, Art Donaldson, and Patrick Zweig.
Zendaya plays Tashi Duncan, who, in her youth, was considered a tennis prodigy, and now serves as her husband’s tennis coach.
Zendaya is known for her roles and appearances in several movies, including:
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
- The Greatest Showman (2017)
- Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
- Malcolm & Marie (2021)
- Dune (2021)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- Dune: Part Two (2024)
She also stars in – and serves as one of the show’s executive producers – the hit HBO teen drama series, Euphoria.
In 2020, Zendaya became the youngest recipient of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of the show’s main character, Rue Bennett.
She won the coveted award again at the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Mike Faist plays Art Donaldson, Tashi’s best friend-turned-husband who has been on a losing streak in tennis despite her expert coaching.
Faist is known for his roles on and off-Broadway, including the plays and musicals Newsies, Dear Evan Hansen, and Brokeback Mountain.
He has also starred in several films, including Wildling (2018), West Side Story (2021), and The Bikeriders (2024).
Josh O’Connor rounds out the trio, starring as Patrick Zweig, Tashi’s former boyfriend, Art’s former best friend, and his main competition – in tennis, love, and life.
O’Connor has quite the acting resume, appearing in the British TV shows Doctor Who, Peaky Blinders, Ripper Street, and The Durrells.
He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Charles, Prince of Wales, in the third and fourth seasons of the Netflix historical drama, The Crown.
O’Connor has also starred in several movies, including The Riot Club (2014), Cinderella (2015) God’s Own Country (2017), Emma (2020), and Bonus Track (2023).
Rounding out the cast are Jake Jensen, Bryan Doo, Shane T. Harris, Nada Despotovich, and Naheem Garcia.
In an interview with IndieWire, director Luca Guadagnino described the film as “a fairly fizzy, sexy movie about the world of tennis.”
“I think those three characters in that movie are beautifully complex and really fucked-up people that I love very much.”
“And a sports film, why not? It’s hyperkinetic, and I do films, so it’s great,” he added.
Guadagnino previously directed the films I Am Love, A Bigger Splash, Call Me By Your Name, Suspira, and Bones and All.
How can I watch Challengers?
Challengers has had quite the journey to its premiere.
The film was initially scheduled to be released in September 2023 but was pushed back due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
Challengers premiered in Sydney, Australia, on March 26, 2024.
The movie will be released in the US in theaters on Friday, April 26, 2024.
Tickets are on sale now for fans who prefer to order them in advance.
Since the film is being produced by MGM and distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, viewers who prefer to watch movies from the comfort of their homes will likely have to wait between 60 to 80 days for the film to hit streaming services.
Challengers will likely be available to rent or buy on Amazon, or available to watch for free for Amazon Prime Video members, by mid-to-late July or early August 2024.