Zendaya Stuns in New Challengers Press Tour

Director Luca Guadagnino’s new film Challengers featuring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Fast will hit theaters on April 26.

Guadagnino is known for his highly renowned and beautifully cinematic films, including Call Me By Your Name and Bones and All. 

The stunning ensemble cast has begun the film’s press tour, and new photos from the tour are coming forward. Over the past weeks, the cast has posted video diaries with behind-the-scenes clips from the making of Challengers. 

In her own league. pic.twitter.com/y2WqClgWCI

— Challengers (@challengersmov) March 25, 2024

Many of the press photos feature Zendaya in a deep v-cut, soft yellow sweater. In addition to the sweater, the star sports the same signature bob haircut as her character Tashi Duncan. The Euphoria Star joined the Challengers as not only its leading star but also as a producer.

The story follows Tashi, a tennis player-turned-coach who transformed her husband, Art (Faist), into a world-famous Grand Slam champion. To get him out of a recent losing streak, Tashi makes him play in a “Challenger” event where he finds himself across the net from his former best friend, Patrick (O’Connor), who also happens to be Tashi’s former boyfriend.

Zendaya described the role of Tashi as a “good step into a more, I guess you could say, ‘grown-up’ role and into that next phase,” in an interview with ELLE. “It was a little bit scary to take on, which I think is a good feeling. To be like, ‘Ooh, can I do this?” 

The film’s suspenseful trailer released in 2023 gave a small view of the intense relationship between the trio. Moreover, Tashi’s complex manipulation and control over the two men present an exciting watch. However, this also proved to be a challenge for the Dune actress.

‘Challengers’ video diaries, part 3! pic.twitter.com/TwWSJx3zPL

— Zendaya Updates (@Zendaya_Updated) March 18, 2024

“I still don’t understand the decisions she makes, and we had so many conversations about the psychology of her and why she is that way,” she told ELLE. “What was important to me was that she was unapologetic about it. Sometimes characters who are messy and conflicted and wield power over other people are reserved for [actors] who don’t look like me, so when I get an opportunity to play a character like that, I’ma take it!”

The film will be released on April 26, you can watch the trailer for Challengers below.