Luca Guadagnino knows what he's doing. The director has spent over two decades making some of the most idiosyncratic and engaging dramas in recent memory, but Challengers must have been a surprise to even him.
The film, which details a love triangle in the world of professional tennis, proved to be the director's most successful to date. It grossed over $90 million, doubling Guadagnino's previous high, and drew rave reviews from fans and critics. It was a full-blown success, and it's finally coming to streaming.
Challengers will stream on Prime starting September 19
Challengers has been available to rent at home, but the romantic drama will be able to stream on Prime Video starting September 19. This means you will be able to watch the film for free if you already have a Prime account.
This will make it easier to relive the film's thrilling moments and soundtrack if you were one of the many who don't have an MGM+ account (which is where Challengers was previously on demand).
The film has certainly boosted the bankability of Guadagnino, who is already promoting his new film, QUEER, but it's also done wonders for its main trio of actors. Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist were both respected names prior to Challengers, but their performances has sent their popularity skyrocketing.
Challengers has made stars of its three leads
O'Connor, for example, is set to play a prime role in the upcoming Knives Out sequel, Turn Me on Dead Man. Mike Faist, conversely, has earned rave reviews for his performance in the stage adaptation of Brokeback Mountain.
Of course, the actor who benefited most from the film's success was Zendaya. Not only did she get top billing in a $90 million original drama, but she served as the headlining name and producer of the film. Her face is the one plastered on the now iconic Challengers poster.
Between the success of this film, the Dune franchise, and the Spider-Man films, Zendaya has become one of the most bankable names in Hollywood. Are you going to revisit Challengers when it comes to Prime Video on September 19? Is it one of your favorite films of the year?