The highly anticipated film, “Challengers,” starring Zendaya and directed by Luca Guadagnino, will have its debut at this year’s Venice Film Festival. Although the film will be screened out of competition, it has already generated significant buzz due to its intriguing premise and its stellar cast, including Josh O’Connor from “The Crown” and Mike Faist from “West Side Story.” Another notable film set to screen at the festival is Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi film, “Poor Things,” which has been likened to Frankenstein. Matteo Garrone’s drama, “Io Capitano,” and Pablo Larrain’s “El Conde” are also among the films showcasing at the 80th annual festival.
Zendaya portrays Tashi Duncan in the film, a promising tennis player who becomes romantically entangled with her best friends and fellow players, Art (played by Faist) and Patrick (played by O’Connor). Initially, Tashi enters a relationship with Patrick but ultimately marries Art, resulting in a complex love triangle. After Tashi’s career is cut short due to an injury, she becomes Art’s coach. Years later, the former friends are reunited when they have to face each other on the tennis court. In a steamy trailer for the film, which features Rihanna’s “S&M,” viewers get a taste of the romantic sports comedy they can expect.
The film is set to premiere on August 30, opening the festival. It will then be released in US cinemas by MGM and Amazon Studios, and internationally through Warner Bros. Pictures. The screenplay was written by Justin Kuritzkes, and the film is produced by Amy Pascal, Zendaya, Rachel O’Connor, and directed by Luca Guadagnino. Guadagnino gained international recognition with the release of “Call Me by Your Name,” starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, followed by the horror remake “Suspiria” and the romantic horror film “Bones and All,” solidifying his status as one of today’s most intriguing directors.
Guadagnino is a Venice Regular
In a statement, Guadagnino expressed his excitement about the premiere, stating, “I am so thrilled for audiences to experience my new film Challengers at the Venice Film Festival. It’s a modern, bold story of youthful energy, love, and power. Zendaya, Josh, and Mike bring a refreshing and original energy that you’ve never seen before.” He also thanked the festival and its director, Alberto Barbera, for recognizing his film and described the experience as a dream come true. Guadagnino previously appeared in competition at Venice with his film “Bones and All.” Barbera praised Guadagnino’s ability to work with both Italian and foreign actors, achieving remarkable results in each film. He commended Guadagnino’s creative energy and the captivating and heartfelt nature of “Challengers,” which explores themes of love, friendship, and male rivalry.
Challengers will be released in theaters on September 15, and you can watch the trailer below:
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
