Warning: this is a spoiler! Details regarding Zendaya’s next tennis drama “Challengers”—which is currently showing in theaters—are being discussed.
There’s nobody who can drop a needle like Luca Guadagnino.
From Timothée Chalamet shouting out Kiss in “Bones and All” to Ralph Fiennes swaying to the Rolling Stones in “A Bigger Splash,” the “Call Me By Your Name” director is a master of melancholic and eerie musical cues.” Zendaya
The most recent is “Challengers,” in which Zendaya dances to Nelly’s 2002 hit song “Hot in Herre.” A pivotal opening scene, set in 2006, features the dance floor smash as young tennis prodigy Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) twirls and sways wildly during an outdoor celebration. Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist play best friends Patrick and Art, respectively, who are fascinated by her skills and quickly turn into rivals in both sports and love.
Zendaya and Guadagnino break down how the characters’ magic meeting came together:
That sequence, in Guadagnino’s opinion, “is very layered.” “Tashi comes from a very simple background; she just won the U.S. Junior Open; she also has a deal with Adidas.” These two guys are accustomed to being champions because they come from extremely high ground. Therefore, we had to demonstrate everything: Tashi Duncan is a young woman with a lot of talent and a strong work ethic, but she is also new to the world of celebrity.
After discussing Tashi’s ideal appearance, Jonathan Anderson, the costume designer, decided that she should wear a straightforward blue minidress with straps. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, the cinematographer, likewise shot it simply: one camera focuses on a giddy Tashi, while another presses in on an enamored Art and Patrick.
Guadagnino explains, “We wanted her to look like a goddess, not knowing she is a goddess.” “We desired her to possess an alluring, indescribable beauty and strength.”
“I’m pushing into you,” he said as the sequence was being filmed. It’s the ultimate girl push-in,” laughs Zendaya as she recalls it. I attempted to dance with myself when he said, “Just take your time and do it.”
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