Challengers is Now the Number One Film in America
Challengers starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor opened to $15 million domestically during its opening weekend.
Challengers, released on April 26 with Thursday previews on April 25, has topped the domestic box office. The romantic sports drama film drew in $15 million in the United States and Canada and $10 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $25 million.
Winners only. Thank YOU for making #ChallengersMovie the #1 MOVIE IN AMERICA! Don't miss out on the hype and see the film now playing only in theaters. pic.twitter.com/QPhBMw2Ya5
— Challengers (@challengersmov) April 29, 2024
The film was released alongside Boy Kills World and Unsung Hero. Originally, Challengers was scheduled for release in September 2023 and a world premiere at the 80 Venice Film Festival. Ultimately, Amazon MGM Studios delayed their plans due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which would have prevented the cast from promoting the film.
Zendaya on what made her take on her role in ‘Challengers’ #ChallengersMovie #Zendaya pic.twitter.com/QgPQVdx5bM
— Glitter Magazine (@glittermagazine) April 20, 2024
Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Luca Guadagnino, Challengers focuses on Tashi (Zendaya), a former tennis star who coaches her husband Art (Faist) during his comeback to the sport. In a Challenger match, Art must play against Patrick (O’Connor), his former friend and Tashi’s former lover. Told through a non-linear timeline, the film explores the trio’s ever-changing dynamic on and off the tennis court. Challengers mark Zendaya’s biggest domestic opening weekend for a non-intellectual property film and Guadagnino’s largest opening in his career.
Zendaya, who has won two Primetime Emmys for her moving portrayal of Rue Bennet on HBO’s teen drama Euphoria, served as a producer for the film. The beloved actress also served many on-brand looks for the film’s press tour. From tennis ball heels to a tennis racket-printed Thom Browne halter dress, Zendaya and stylist Law Roach paid homage to the project through her styling, as with her other films such as Dune. Most recently, the star donned a custom sequin dress by Celia Kritharioti with the film’s main poster printed across the front.
Challengers released behind-the-scenes video diaries to promote the film, which can be viewed on their Instagram. On April 29, Law Roach shared images of Zendaya as her character Tashi in a photoshoot for Challengers Magazine, bringing the character to life. Instagram accounts for both the magazine and Tashi have been created. Given Zendaya’s knack for modeling, we are excited to see what is in store for this endeavor.
Challengers is in theaters now. You can find local theater times on the film’s website. The film’s original soundtrack, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross(The Social Network and Bones and All), is available to stream.
Isaiah is an entertainment writer for Glitter Magazine with a focus on music and film stories. He enjoys the aforementioned topics as well as performing, yoga, and fashion.
