Zendaya says producing ‘Challengers’ gave her ‘a seat at the table’

LONDON: Taking on the double duty of bringing “Challengers”, a tense drama set in the world of tennis, to the screen and starring in the film’s leading role, was a growing experience, says Zendaya.

“It’s not necessarily a new hat. I’ve done it before. But I think every time that you do it, you learn something new about yourself. You get to learn from your peers and grow,” the Hollywood star, who previously produced “Malcolm & Marie” and her hit HBO series “Euphoria”, said.

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“It allows for you to have a seat at the table to protect yourself and your fellow actors and community members,” Zendaya, 27, said at the film’s London premiere on Wednesday (April 10).

Directed by Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, “Challengers” stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a self-confident former tennis champion who, following an injury, now coaches her husband Art, played by Mike Faist. When Patrick (Josh O’Connor), Art’s former best friend and Tashi’s boyfriend during their teenage years, suddenly reappears after over a decade, their intertwined past starts seeping into their present.

“I just wanted to tackle a character that felt very multidimensional and had such depth to her,” said Zendaya. “I think there’s a perception or an idea of who she is or that she’s trying to portray to the world, but I think there’s a lot falling apart inside.”

To ensure authenticity, the trio of actors immersed themselves into the world of tennis, creating a close bond in the process.

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“We had a six weeks’ rehearsal and that included tennis training and gym work,” said O’Connor. “I think the fact that we were on the same court for six weeks in the lead up meant that we were just sort of forced together. But we got on, we were really fortunate, and we get on really well and have remained friends,” he said.

The film marks the feature film screenwriting debut for Justin Kuritzkes, who drew inspiration from watching Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal in action.

“I became a really obsessive tennis fan a couple of years ago. And I started to think, what could I write that would be as exciting as tennis and what would make tennis even better? And for me, the answer of what would make tennis even better is to know what’s at stake for everybody in a really, microscopic way,” the writer, who is married to “Past Lives” filmmaker Celine Song, said.

The film also marked a first for fashion designer Jonathan Anderson, who designed the movie’s costumes. Anderson, creative director of LOEWE and founder of JW Anderson, said he drew inspiration from sports brand imagery, celebrity paparazzi shots, and even JFK Jr. for the movie.

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“Challengers” was originally due to open the 2023 Venice Film Festival but its release was postponed due to the actors’ strike.

Audiences are in for an emotion-charged tale of a complex love triangle, said O’Connor. “I think it’s about the complications of relationships and love and desire and co-dependency,” he added.

“Challengers” starts its global cinematic rollout on April 24.