This Major Part Of "Challengers" Inspired Zendaya's Red Carpet ...
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — The commute home for those working in the city on the evening of Tuesday, March 27 was soundtracked by two unlikely elements; the screams of hoards lining barricades on Market Street, and the heavy bass of Nelly Frotatudo’s hit single “Maneater” as it bellowed out of the State Theatre’s speakers.
If you expertly timed your departure, one might’ve even caught a glimpse of Hollywood superstar Zendaya as she sauntered across the red carpet for the global opening premiere of her latest film, the intimately sensual sports romance Challengers.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 26: Zendaya attends the Australian premiere of “Challengers” at the State Theatre on March 26, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images)Given Melbourne plays host to the first major tennis championship on the world’s tournament schedule with the Australian Open, it was only fitting that the cast, including The Crown’s Josh O’Connor and breakout Broadway star Mike Faist, select Sydney to introduce the deliciously physical drama to the world.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino—which should be enough to hint at the throughline of sensuality and carnal desire that underpins the film, if the trailer didn’t convince you already—Challengers sees Zendaya helm and produce her first official leading role as Tashi Duncan.
After suffering a career-ending injury, Tashi switches her focus (but not her intensity) to coach her meekly-ambitious husband Art Donaldson (Faist). But when the Donaldsons are inadvertently forced to confront their shared past through a ‘challengers’ match with Tashi’s ex-boyfriend and Art’s former best friend, Patrick Zweig (O’Connor), the tethers that bind them together wrap and unravel in a beautiful display of adrenaline, athleticism and intoxication only Guadagnino is capable of.
But if this competitive dynamic is explored in the film, there was only palpable camaraderie discerned between the cast. A shared press tour wardrobe of statement LOEWE pieces was evidence of this synergy.
As the Spanish luxuriate’s creative director Jonothan Anderson on board as the costume designer for the project, Zendaya looked to his tongue-in-cheek design approach for a custom piece to present Challengers to the world. As the 27-year-old is in the business of sartorially referencing her films through fashion, Zendaya brought home her own grand slam in a lawn green crystal-encrusted dress adorned with a tennis player and ball motif.
The plunging neckline and diamantes glistened under the lights of one of Sydney’s oldest institutions, with her celebrity stylist and image architect Law Roach close by to ensure the racket and thigh-high split were, to borrow a tennis term, down the line. A serve indeed.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 26: Zendaya attends the Australian premiere of “Challengers” at the State Theatre on March 26, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images)But the literal embodiment of the movie’s themes wasn’t the only ace. Rather, her freshly dyed blonde bob that she styled into an updo. Zendaya had been teasing her interpretation of tennis-core with her courtside attire at the 2023 US Open and, more recently, her date with Tom Holland at the Indian Wells Open. But who needs that when you can come dressed as the court itself? Game, set, match.
Before the movie, the cast gathered to address the audience before what was the first time they ever watched the film in a cinema with a live gallery. “I always cherish being [in Australia] with everyone and the warm and loving environment and reception we get every time we get to be here,” Zendaya gushed to onlookers. “This could not be a better place to start this film. I’m always worried that no one is going to come to watch the movie but there are people here, so this is great!”
Speaking on her role, including her work producing, Zendaya also added that the experience was “incredibly special and grateful”. “To have an experience with someone who is clearly a very talented filmmaker and being able to watch how [Guadagnino] works and creates…it’s very special to collaborate in that very real way, behind the camera as well.”
Challengers will be released in Australian theatres on April 18. Before then, ensure you watch the trailer for the film below.
