Zendaya Lands $10 Million Deal for Lead Role in and Production of ‘Challengers’: Insider Insights

Zendaya Earned 10 Million Salary to Star in and Produce Challengers Report

Zendaya Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios

Zendaya is set to star in and produce the upcoming movie Challengers, for which she earned $10 million, as reported by Variety.

The highly anticipated film is scheduled to hit theaters this Friday, April 26. Zendaya has hinted that viewers can anticipate a movie that goes beyond just tennis, using the sport as a setting for a much bigger story.

Zendaya explained to Variety that the movie she stars in is not just about tennis, but delves into deeper themes. Tennis serves as a metaphor for power and codependency, with the characters using the sport as a means of expressing themselves and communicating with each other.

In the film, Zendaya plays Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy entangled in a love triangle with her husband Art Donaldson, portrayed by Mike Faist, and her ex-boyfriend Patrick Zweig, played by Josh O’Connor.

Challengers, a film directed by Luca Guadagnino, finished filming almost two years ago. Originally planned for release last September, the movie was postponed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Currently, Zendaya is on a worldwide press tour for the film, showcasing her tennis-inspired fashion sense during the journey.

The delay in the release of the movie, coupled with the constant attention Zendaya is receiving in the media, has further fueled the excitement and anticipation surrounding Challengers.

Faist, 32, expressed happiness about the movie receiving attention and positive feedback from viewers.

According to Variety, Challengers had a budget of $55 million, which means there is pressure for the film to exceed modest box office predictions. Despite expectations of earning between $12 and $15 million this weekend, it is currently the only big release scheduled.

For Zendaya, starring in the movie was a chance to break away from her usual roles and portray a more mature character.

The Euphoria star expressed, "I've been portraying 16-year-olds since I was 16. So, it was refreshing to embody a character who was no longer a child. It was intriguing to act out aspects of life that I have yet to experience myself, like getting married or having a child. These are milestones that I haven't encountered directly, so it was a unique feeling. Overall, it felt like the perfect moment to take on a role like this."

Zendaya has been steering clear of rumors about a possible third season of Euphoria during her press tour. In an interview with Variety, she mentioned that she doesn't have control over the decision and is unsure about HBO's plans for the show.

On the contrary, Zendaya is fully focused on Challengers and her love for tennis.

Before this, I wasn't really into tennis. The only players I knew were Serena Williams and Roger Federer. But I decided to give it a try. I ended up watching all the videos and matches I could find online. It quickly became my new favorite thing.

Editor's P/S:

Zendaya's upcoming film, Challengers, promises to be a gripping cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of sports. Her portrayal of Tashi Duncan, a tennis prodigy navigating a complex love triangle, explores the themes of power and codependency, using tennis as a poignant metaphor. The film's release has been highly anticipated, with Zendaya's portrayal of a mature character and the film's thought-provoking themes generating considerable buzz.

Despite the challenges posed by the SAG-AFTRA strike and the pressure to meet box office expectations, Challengers is poised to make a significant impact. Zendaya's dedication to the role and her passion for tennis have infused the film with authenticity and depth. The film's unique blend of personal drama and sporting intensity promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.