The highly anticipated release of Luca Guadagnino’s film “Challengers” has faced a delay until April 2024 due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, leaving fans disappointed as they were eager to witness Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist’s thrilling showdown on the tennis court.
However, a recently unveiled image from the movie offers an early glimpse of the duo alongside Zendaya, forming a romantically involved trio of tennis players. The story revolves around the complex love triangle between O’Connor and Faist’s characters, Patrick and Art, and Zendaya’s character, the talented tennis player named Tashi Duncan. The film promises to deliver drama both on and off the court.
Guadagnino aims to infuse sensuality and desire into the sporting sequences, emphasizing the physicality, sweat, and tension among the characters. According to Zendaya, the tennis matches are charged with passion, as the film explores the buildup and aftermath of intense competitions.
Originally scheduled to face off in September, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist’s much-anticipated tennis match will now have to wait until April as the SAG-AFTRA strike continues. The film “Challengers” will showcase their on-screen chemistry alongside Zendaya in a romantic sports comedy, marking Guadagnino’s first project since “Bones and All” last year.
In the movie, O’Connor portrays Patrick, while Faist plays Art, and they both become entangled with Zendaya’s character, Tashi Duncan, a rising tennis star. Their love triangle unfolds, with Patrick initially taking the lead, but Art ultimately wins Tashi’s heart, leading to marriage. When an unfortunate injury cuts short Tashi’s promising career, she becomes Art’s coach. The story takes an intriguing turn when Patrick and Art’s former friendship is put to the test as they face each other in a tournament.
Guadagnino is determined to infuse the film’s sporting scenes with passionate intensity. In an interview with Empire magazine, Mike Faist commented on the director’s approach, stating that Guadagnino was more interested in exploring the sensuality and physicality rather than the technicalities of tennis. Zendaya added that the film effectively builds tension, and sometimes withholding release can enhance the experience. As the film’s trailer suggests, the tennis sequences are portrayed in a sensual and sexy manner, emphasizing the allure and anticipation before and after the matches.
Initially set to open at the Venice Film Festival, “Challengers” was pulled from the lineup due to the ongoing strikes in Hollywood that have hindered negotiations between studios and unions like SAG-AFTRA and WGA. Despite Zendaya’s significant paycheck of $10 million for her role, the film’s promotion at the festival became unfeasible due to strike rules. Consequently, the release date was rescheduled to April 26, 2024. Nevertheless, the Venice Film Festival still boasts an exciting lineup, featuring other projects such as David Fincher’s thriller “The Killer,” Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things.”
For a sneak peek at the upcoming film, check out the trailer below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Love triangle
When will the movie “Challengers” be released?
The release of “Challengers” has been delayed until April 26, 2024, due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
What is the genre of the movie “Challengers”?
“Challengers” is a romantic sports comedy film.
Who are the main actors in the movie “Challengers”?
The main actors in “Challengers” are Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist, and Zendaya.
What is the plot of “Challengers”?
The film follows a love triangle involving best friends Patrick and Art, played by Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist respectively, who become romantically involved with Zendaya’s character, Tashi Duncan, a talented tennis player. The story revolves around their relationships on and off the tennis court.
Who is the director of the movie “Challengers”?
The movie “Challengers” is directed by Luca Guadagnino.
Why was the movie “Challengers” pulled from the Venice Film Festival?
The movie “Challengers” was pulled from the Venice Film Festival due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike and Hollywood studios’ inability to negotiate with the union on issues such as fair pay and protection against AI.
What can we expect from the film’s sporting sequences?
Director Luca Guadagnino aims to bring sensuality and desire to the film’s sporting sequences, focusing on the physicality, sweat, and tension between the characters during intense tennis matches.
Is there a love triangle in the movie?
Yes, the movie “Challengers” revolves around a love triangle between the characters played by Josh O’Connor, Mike Faist, and Zendaya.
How much did Zendaya get paid for her role in “Challengers”?
Zendaya received a hefty $10 million paycheck for her role in the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
More about Love triangle
- Challengers Movie Official Trailer
- Luca Guadagnino
- Josh O’Connor IMDb
- Mike Faist IMDb
- Zendaya IMDb
- SAG-AFTRA Official Website
- Venice Film Festival Official Website
