Zendaya as a tennis star in a love triangle spanning decades? Sign us up.
Challengers, the latest from Italian director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name), offers up romance and intrigue and allows our girl Z to do what she does best: shine bright at the dead centre of the action (and attention).
Plus, on Wednesday 21st February, a new trailer landed, offering an insight into the film's love triangle plot. And, spoiler alert, things between Zendaya and co-stars Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist get seriously steamy.
Here’s everything we know about the new movie.
The real-life inspiration behind Zendaya's character and her new film.
What’s it about?
The film's official synopsis reads: “Tennis player turned coach Tashi (Zendaya) has taken her husband, Art (Mike Faist), and transformed him into a world-famous grand slam champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she makes him play a “Challenger” event — close to the lowest level of pro tournament — where he finds himself standing across the net from his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend (Josh O’Connor).”
Complex and queer. We’re not certain how steamy it gets, but it’s rated R…so….
At least part of the movie was filmed in Boston, which must have been a nice break for Zendaya after mucking about in the sand for Dune.
Zendaya released the movie's official poster at the start of 2024, saying: “Challengers April 26th. Wishing you all the most beautiful new year”.
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Is there a trailer?
There's two, actually.
The first which dropped in June 2023 is set to Rihanna’s “S&M” and gives us two minutes of competition and crackling chemistry. Look at her French tips! The 2010s vibes are strong.
The second dropped on 21st February 2024 and gives us, umm, much of the same:
When does the film come out?
Challengers was originally slated for a September 2023 release date, but the film will now hit cinemas worldwide on 26th April 2024.
A version of this article was originally published by Glamour US.
