July 1, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Luca Guadagnino’s New Film Challengers Serves Up a Sexy Tennis Drama

Zendaya Stars in a Love Triangle for the Ages in this Must-See Film

By Dolores Quintana

Academy Award and BAFTA nominated director Luca Guadagnino’s newest film, Challengers, will open this Friday, April 26. It is a sexy mix of top-tier tennis, game playing, and a love triangle for the ages. Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Tickets are available here. Challengers is a film that is not to be missed whether or not you are a tennis fan. 

Tashi is married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story); Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor – The Crown) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself what it will cost to win.

You can watch the latest trailer for the film to whet your appetite:

The film, written by playwright Justin Enkuritz, features a propulsive and danceable score by the Academy Award-winning team of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. It is produced by Amy Pascal, Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, and Rachel O’Connor.

Guadagnino’s daring and innovative filmmaking and Thai director of photography Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s fascinating shots make Challengers one of the most exciting films ever made about the game of tennis and the games that make up relationships, on and off the court. 

Zendaya said, “Luca has such a great way of looking at each character in Challengers through such an empathetic lens, seeing them as human. He is so good at pulling nuances and human aspects of a character out so that they’re vulnerable and relatable.”

Guadagnino said, about Zendaya, “Years before shooting this movie, I met Zendaya at an event, and I spent the evening sitting beside her and was fascinated by this young woman who could command the gaze of multitudes and yet be so completely real and graceful. It would be very easy to make Tashi into a one-sided character, simply a woman of strong will, but Zendaya does the opposite — she brings a sense of control and a sense of power while at the same time, she develops a lot of sense of fragility within that strength that Tashi exhibits.”

The film’s worldwide press conference was held at The Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills. Challengers will challenge your view of sports films and is sensual feast for the senses.

in News
<>Related Posts

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...

Three Santa Monica College Student Films Selected for International Film Festival

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The LA Shorts International Film Festival, the city’s longest-running shorts festival, screens over 350 films annually and draws 10,000 attendees...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...

Suspect Charged by Los Angeles DA with Shooting of Santa Monica Cop and Teens

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Faces Attempted Murder Charges and Over 100 Years to Life in Prison if Convicted. Criminal charges have been filed against...