In the narrative crafted by Justin Kuritzkes, Zendaya takes the lead role as Tashi in Challengers. The story orbits around Tashi, who becomes entangled in a high-stakes love triangle. Initially a professional tennis player, Tashi’s career is cut short by an injury, compelling her to pivot to coaching. Her focus shifts to transforming her husband, described as an average tennis player, into a globally recognized Grand Slam champion. However, their plans unravel when he faces a series of defeats. Determined to reignite his success, she enrolls him in a “challenger” event, a tournament situated close to the bottom tier of professional competitions. Unbeknownst to her, this decision reconnects him with his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, adding complexity to their intertwined past.
Zendaya portrays Tashi Duncan in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, with Mike Faist embodying her husband, Art Donaldson. Meanwhile, Josh O’Connor, known for his role in Netflix’s The Crown, assumes the character of Patrick — Tashi’s former flame and Art’s ex-best friend.
Scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on April 26, 2024, Challengers initially aimed for a premiere on September 15, 2023. However, due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the release was postponed.
Originally set to kick off the 2023 Venice Film Festival in August, Challengers withdrew from the festival due to considerations involving SAG-AFTRA guidelines. An MGM/Amazon Studios spokesperson conveyed to Vanity Fair that the film’s withdrawal aimed to ensure a celebratory premiere with the full ensemble cast, director Luca Guadagnino, and the filmmaking team at a later, more opportune date.
