Challengers: On the red carpet with Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist at the London premiere

Last night was the much-anticipated premiere of Challengers. Directed by the visionary Luca Guadagnino and penned by the talented Justin Kuritzkes, this romantic sports comedy-drama intertwines the worlds of love, friendship and competitive tennis in a narrative that looks to be as gripping as it is emotionally resonant.

Starring the versatile Zendaya, alongside Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, the film explores the life of Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, who devises a bold plan to revive her husband’s flagging career. However, her strategy takes a dramatic turn when her husband is pitted against his ex-best friend and Tashi’s old flame in a low-tier tournament, setting the stage for a story rich in tension and heartache.

Challengers marks a significant return for Guadagnino, showcasing his unique ability to capture complex human emotions against the backdrop of the high-stakes world of professional tennis. The film’s journey to the screen was not without its hurdles, facing delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike and a reshuffling of its premiere from the prestigious Venice International Film Festival to a debut in Sydney, Australia, before its anticipated release in the US. As the stars of the film, including Zendaya, O’Connor and Faist, graced the London premiere red carpet, they shared their insights into the making of Challengers.

Luca Guadagnino shared his excitement for the London premiere and the joy of working with a talented cast, including Zendaya, O’Connor and Faist. He praised their dedication and the fun they had on set. Guadagnino also highlighted his initial love for the script and his thematic connection to it, alongside forming a great friendship with writer Justin Kuritz.

Zendaya discussed her connection to her character Tashi, empathising with her passion and early career halt. She also expressed gratitude for the turnout and excitement at the premiere. She described the film as an emotional rollercoaster, sparking debates among viewers about their favourite and least favourite characters.

Josh O’Connor discussed his return to London for the premiere, expressing joy at being home and reuniting with friends. He spoke about the fantastic experience of working with Zendaya and Faist, forming a tight-knit group. Despite not being a skilled tennis player, he praised their positive approach and coaching from Brad Gilbert, which made them appear proficient on-screen. O’Connor also commended Zendaya’s friendship and their great time working together.

Mike Faist discussed his experience working on the feature, praising his outfit by Jonathan Anderson, a promising designer. He emphasised the strong camaraderie on set, the hard work behind making tennis appear effortless and his deep dive into character preparation. Faist believes in fully committing to roles, exemplifying how dedication can lead to mastery. He summarised the film as a journey of three talented athletes rediscovering their passion for their sport amidst life’s challenges.

Writer Justin Kuritzkes shared his excitement about premiering Challengers in London, a city passionate about tennis. Inspired by a controversial moment during the 2018 US Open match between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, he explored communication beyond tennis through film. He praised his dream cast and director Guadagnino’s vision, hinting at an open conversation about the movie’s ending without giving spoilers.

Costume designer Jonathan Anderson discussed his experience working on the film, highlighting his collaboration with the director and the challenges of designing for a sports film during the pandemic. He praised working with Zendaya, emphasising her fashion sense and their collaborative effort in costume design, while also sharing insights into character inspirations.

Check out more footage of the premiere below.

The editorial unit
Images: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Warner Bros

Challengers is released nationwide on 26^th April 2024.

Watch the trailer for Challengers here: