MGM Studios just released the first trailer for “Challengers,” starring Zendaya – Tashi Duncan, Mike Faist – Art, and Josh O’Connor – Patrick.  It’s the time old tale of girl loves boy, and boy’s best friend, marries one boy and all the drama that comes with said situation.  Throw in the fact that Zendaya plays a tennis wunderkind and both guys are also tennis players, you can see how this may get challenging for all involved.  It’s a love triangle for the ages and we can’t wait to see it all unfold.

Based off a script by first time screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes and directed by  visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, (Suspiria, Bones and All) “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.

Zendaya is a producer for the film and went through 3 months of training with pro-tennis coach Brad Gilbert.  “Challengers” is being billed as a romantic comedy but the trailer comes across more serious so I guess we’ll just have to go the the theater on September 15th.

(Tribute poster by Bartos Gyorgy)