Challengers Releases New Clip for Upcoming Film

A new clip for the upcoming film, Challengers, starring Zendaya, has been released. The film will hit theaters on April 26. 

Zendaya will star as Tashi, a successful tennis player. After an injury ended her career as a tennis player, Tashi is forced to become a coach.This injury ultimately ends her career as a tennis player. She begins to coach her husband, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), turning his mediocre tennis skills into something extraordinary. However, when he loses matches, she enters him in an event known as “Challenger.” This is where the pair reconnects with Patrick (Josh O’Connor), who happens to be Art’s old friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend. 

The film is written by Justin Kuritzkes and directed by Luca Guadagnino. Guadagnino has won awards such as the Film Independent Spirit Award and the Critics Choice Award. He is known for directing the films, Call Me By Your Name (2017) and Bones and All (2022). Both films star Timothée Chalamet.

The Challengers film was originally supposed to be released in September 2023. Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the release date had to be pushed back because the stars of the film could not promote it. Additionally, the film was also supposed to open the Venice Film Festival, but MGM Studios also had to cancel its premiere due to the strike.

According to Vanity Fair, a spokesperson from MGM/Amazon Studios released a statement to the publication. They explained, “After thoughtful consideration with our partners, and given the parameters that SAG-AFTRA has outlined for its membership, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw Challengers from this year’s Venice International Film Festival.”

Much preparation went into making this film. Guadagnino revealed to Variety that Zendaya trained for three months with Brad Gilbert. Gilbert is a former tennis player and coach. He is also a consultant on the film. It is safe to assume that the steamy love story will consist of exciting tennis action scenes, and engaging romances to keep viewers entertained. 

While waiting for Challengers’ theatrical release on April 26, check out the full trailer below. You can also read more about the press tour for the film here.