Challengers hit its opening serve straight down the line with a $24 million debut at the global box office.
Luca Guadagnino’s R-rated sports drama topped a weak box-office frame with $15 million domestic, and a further $9 million from international markets.
The $55 million budgeted film, which was pushed back from its original release date of September 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, stars Zendaya as a tennis coach working on a strategy to help her husband (Mike Faist) break his losing streak, which takes a surprising turn when he must face off against his former best friend – and her former boyfriend, Patrick (Josh O’Connor).
Challengers performance was testament to the drawing power of Zendaya, with her name front-and-centre on a theatrical release for the first time, elevating the traditionally niche one-two of arthouse and sports drama to the top of the charts. It was something of a grand-slam for the Euphoria star with the news that her other film currently playing in multiplexes around the world, Dune: Part Two, crossed the $700 million mark at the global box-office this weekend.
You can check out our ★★★★★ review of Challengers here, and don’t forget to let us know what movies you spent your ticket money on this weekend by heading to our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
