Zendaya’s upcoming romantic sports drama Challengers has been generating significant excitement ever since the studio revealed the first official trailer. As the release date draws closer, the anticipation is reaching a fever pitch, with early reviews showering praise on the film’s sizzling romance, adrenaline-fueled action, and captivating storyline.
Early reviews of the film, which features the 27-year-old actress taking on the role of a tennis player, not only commend her for her versatility and star power but also establish her as an unstoppable force in the film industry.
Zendaya’s Challengers Receives Rave Reviews Ahead of Its Release
Challengers follows Tashi, a pro tennis player turned coach after an injury derails her career. Married to a champion enduring a losing streak, she plans to revive his career by enrolling him in a Challenger event, where he must face his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-partner, Patrick.
The film is just weeks from its release after going through several delays and its early reviews suggest that the Emmy-winning actress Zendaya is set to deliver another hit following the massive success of the Dune sequel.
Critics are applauding the cast’s performances, the chemistry between the lead stars, and its gripping viewing experience from start to finish. Caiden Reed described it as a “steamy, adrenaline rush and an amazing film.” He also praised the Euphoria star’s performance as captivating along with her co-stars Josh O’Conner and Mike Faist.
Comparing the film to an intense Tennis match itself, Kristen Maldonado said that the “story has a satisfying full circle payoff, alongside explosive gameplay.” And Joey Magidson described the film as a refreshing departure from Luca Guadagnino’s previous works, saying that the film is “ridiculously sexy and a whole lot of fun.”
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to immerse themselves in this thrilling cinematic experience. And it is expected to make a lasting impression, solidifying its place among some of the hits of the years, and potentially in the upcoming award season as well.
Zendaya Describes Challengers as a Refreshing and Scary Experience
Throughout her career, the Dune star has delivered remarkable performances both on television and in film, earning well-deserved acclaim. However, she sees her role in the upcoming romantic sports drama as a significant shift, marking the next phase in her career by tackling a more mature role.
In her recent interview with Vogue, she shared how playing teenage roles has been a consistent part of her career. The upcoming film offered her an opportunity to explore new avenues and embody a character closer to her actual age. And she has described the experience as “refreshing” and “scary.”
“[It] was refreshing. And it was also kind of scary, because I was like, I hope people buy me as my own age, or maybe a little bit older, because I have friends that have kids, or are having kids.”
She has earlier shared that although it was scary, she still embraced the challenge of stepping out of her comfort zone. While she has portrayed intense characters in the past, her role as Tashi in the upcoming film presents a departure from her previous work, showcasing a bold and sensual side of the actress.
Challengers will be released on April 26, 2024.
