Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers to open Venice Film Festival

Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist is the Opening Film, Out of Competition, of the 80^th Venice International Film Festival within La Biennale di Venezia, directed by Alberto Barbera (30 August > 9 September 2023).

Challengers will have its world premiere on Wednesday August 30^th, in the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema (Lido di Venezia), on the opening night of the 80^th Venice Film Festival. Challengers will be distributed in the US by Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures / Amazon Studios, and internationally through Warner Bros Pictures.

Alberto Barbera said: “Luca Guadagnino is one of the few Italian directors who has always been accustomed to working with both Italian and foreign actresses and actors, getting top results from all of them each time. Even when he is filming abroad as is the case with Challengers. With a light hand and sporting self-confidence, Guadagnino sets no limits to his creative energy in this film as he deals with topics such as love, friendship, and male rivalry, and brings to life an enthralling and affecting movie, full of irony, sensuality, and good nature. Cinema in its purest form.”

Luca Guadagnino said: “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 are totally original and fresh, bringing a new energy like you’ve never seen before. I can’t wait for the Lido audience to dance across the notes of the soundtrack of Trent and Atticus at the opening night of the 80th edition of the Mostra. As a filmmaker, it is a dream come true and I am grateful to Alberto and the whole Venice family for this wonderful recognition for the film. “

From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, 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. 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 will it cost to win.

Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is written by Justin Kuritzkes and produced by Amy Pascal, Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, Rachel O’Connor. Executive Producers are Bernard Bellew, Lorenzo Mieli, and Kevin Ulrich. Music by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross.