Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by Justin Kuritzkes, is a 2024 American romantic sports drama that blends the intensity of tennis with the complexities of human relationships. Starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist, the film delves into the love triangle between a tennis coach (Zendaya), her ex-boyfriend and low-ranked tennis player (O'Connor), and her tennis champion husband (Faist). Spanning over 13 years, Challengers explores the rivalry, romance, and emotional entanglements of these characters, culminating in a pivotal match at the ATP Challenger Tour.

After several months of rigorous training with former tennis star Brad Gilbert, the cast brings authenticity to the intense matches, showcasing the physical and emotional toll of the sport. Guadagnino’s direction, paired with the high-caliber performances of the lead actors, has garnered significant acclaim for this uniquely thrilling and sensual narrative.

Cast and Performances

Zendaya’s portrayal of Tashi Duncan is a departure from her previous roles, allowing her to explore a mature character navigating the intricacies of love, betrayal, and professional ambition. Her chemistry with both Faist and O'Connor brings the love triangle to life, making it compelling and relatable.

Josh O'Connor's portrayal of Patrick, the fallen tennis star grappling with personal and professional failures, adds layers of vulnerability to the character. His complex interactions with both Tashi and Art keep the audience guessing about his true motivations.

Mike Faist’s performance as Art is equally nuanced, displaying the internal conflict of a man struggling with both his career and marriage. His role in the climactic match is a physical and emotional tour de force, showcasing Faist’s range as an actor.

Production

Filming for Challengers began in May 2022 in Boston, with the actors undergoing months of tennis training to prepare for their roles. Guadagnino’s collaboration with cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, who previously worked with him on Call Me by Your Name, creates stunning visual sequences that heighten the tension on and off the court. The film’s score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, adds a moody, atmospheric layer to the story, enhancing both the romantic and competitive elements of the film.

The original screenplay was inspired by real-life tennis events, particularly the 2018 U.S. Open match between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. Kuritzkes’ exploration of the off-court dynamics between players and coaches, and how personal relationships can impact professional performance, brings an additional depth to the film.

Critical Reception

Challengers premiered in Sydney in March 2024 and was released in theaters in April 2024 by Amazon MGM Studios. Critics have praised the film for its smart blend of sports drama and romance, with standout performances from Zendaya, O’Connor, and Faist. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a positive rating, with critics commending Guadagnino’s direction and the emotional complexity of the story.

Audiences have also embraced the film, with Challengers grossing $94.2 million worldwide as of June 2024. Many have highlighted the film’s ability to balance the thrill of tennis with the tension of a love triangle, creating a story that appeals to both sports enthusiasts and drama fans alike.

Where to Stream Challengers

After its theatrical run, Challengers will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This streaming release is expected to occur about 17 months after its theatrical debut, placing it around late 2025. Fans of the film can look forward to revisiting the thrilling tennis matches and intricate love story from the comfort of their homes. For those eager to see it earlier, the film is available on Video on Demand (VOD) platforms and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in July 2024.

Challengers offers a refreshing take on the sports drama genre, combining high-stakes tennis matches with a passionate, complex love triangle. Under Guadagnino’s direction, the film thrives on the chemistry between its leads, the visual appeal of the matches, and the tension that builds both on and off the court. Whether you’re drawn in by the romance, the sports, or the psychological depth of the characters, Challengers delivers on multiple levels, making it a must-watch film in 2024.

1. What is Challengers (2024) about?

Challengers is a romantic sports drama that follows a love triangle between a former tennis star (Zendaya), her tennis champion husband (Mike Faist), and her ex-boyfriend (Josh O'Connor), culminating in a tense match at the ATP Challenger Tour.

2. Who directed Challengers?

The film was directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for Call Me by Your Name and Suspiria. Guadagnino brings his signature cinematic style to this gripping romantic drama.

3. Who stars in Challengers?

The film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, Josh O’Connor as Patrick Zweig, and Mike Faist as Art Donaldson. The trio leads the cast in this intense romantic sports drama.

4. What is the love triangle in Challengers?

The love triangle revolves around Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy-turned-coach, her tennis player ex-boyfriend Patrick, and her tennis champion husband Art. Their complex relationships evolve over 13 years, leading to a high-stakes match.

5. When was Challengers released?

Challengers premiered in Sydney on March 26, 2024, and was theatrically released in the United States by Amazon MGM Studios on April 26, 2024.

6. How did Zendaya prepare for her role in Challengers?

Zendaya trained extensively for three months with former professional tennis player and coach Brad Gilbert to convincingly portray a tennis star. This training helped her embody the physical and mental demands of her character.

7. Who wrote the screenplay for Challengers?

The screenplay was written by Justin Kuritzkes, who was inspired to write the story after watching the 2018 U.S. Open match between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, focusing on the emotional and psychological side of tennis.

8. How is Challengers connected to tennis?

Challengers is deeply rooted in tennis, exploring the lives of professional players and their personal struggles. It highlights the pressures of the sport and features matches set during the ATP Challenger Tour.

9. How long did filming for Challengers take?

Principal photography for Challengers took place from May to June 2022, primarily in Boston. The cast underwent rigorous tennis training during this time to prepare for their roles.

10. Why was Challengers delayed?

The film’s release was delayed from its original September 2023 date due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. It eventually premiered in March 2024.

11. What is Zendaya's character Tashi’s backstory in Challengers?

Tashi Duncan was a rising tennis star whose career ended due to injury. She later becomes a tennis coach, coaching her husband Art and navigating a complex personal life entangled with her ex-boyfriend, Patrick.

12. Who plays Tashi's husband and ex-boyfriend in the film?

Mike Faist plays Art Donaldson, Tashi’s husband and tennis champion, while Josh O'Connor portrays Patrick Zweig, her ex-boyfriend and low-circuit tennis player.

13. Who did the cinematography for Challengers?

The cinematography was done by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, who also collaborated with Luca Guadagnino on Call Me by Your Name and Suspiria.

14. Where can I watch Challengers?

Challengers was released in theaters in April 2024 and is expected to be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical run. Check your local listings for home media release dates.

15. Is there a tennis consultant for the film?

Yes, former tennis player and coach Brad Gilbert trained the cast and served as a consultant to ensure authenticity in the tennis sequences.