What is Challengers about?
Challengers is a sports comedy drama movie directed by acclaimed Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino. Noted for his works, Call Me by Your Name, Suspiria, and Bones and All, Guadagnino is a renowned director. Challengers follows a screenplay written by playwright and novelist, Justin Kuritzkes who is taking on his first major picture. Providing some continuity in the camera department is Thai cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom who is a frequent collaborator with the director. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross provide the score for this sports romance.
Is Challengers based on a true story?
Filmmaker Luca Guadagnino confirmed that the movie is an original idea and not based on a true story. However, British actor Joshua O'Connor did reveal that the Greek Australian tennis pro Nick Kyrgios is an inspiration for the character Patrick that he portrays.
Why is Challengers R rated?
Challengers received an R rating due to language throughout, sexual content and graphic nudity.
Who is in the cast of Challengers?
Starring in the movie is the American singer and actress Zendaya in the lead role as Tashi Donaldson, the ex-pro turned tennis coach. The actress spent three months training for the film and also serves as a producer on the project. She is joined onscreen by Mike Faist as Art Donaldson, her husband who is on an unrelenting losing streak. Josh O’Connor, known for his role as a young Prince Charles in The Crown features as Patrick Zweig, the third party in this complicated triangle.
Does Zendaya really play tennis in the movie?
Lead star Zendaya portrays a tennis prodigy who, after suffering a serious injury, became a tennis coach for other players. For the role, she trained for three months with former tennis pro Brad Gilbert. Actors Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor also trained alongside her for their roles.