Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers" to Open 80th Venice International Film Festival

The highly anticipated 80th Venice International Film Festival is set to kick off on August 30th, 2023, and it has been announced that Luca Guadagnino's latest film, "Challengers," will serve as the festival's opening film. Starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist, "Challengers" promises to captivate audiences with its modern and bold storytelling.

Directed by the talented Luca Guadagnino, known for his previous works such as "Call Me by Your Name" and "Suspiria," "Challengers" is an out-of-competition entry at the Venice Film Festival, which is part of La Biennale di Venezia. Festival director Alberto Barbera expressed his admiration for Guadagnino's ability to work with both Italian and foreign actors, delivering outstanding performances each time. Barbera highlighted the film's exploration of love, friendship, and male rivalry, praising its enthralling and affecting nature.

The world premiere of "Challengers" will take place on August 30th at the Sala Grande in the Palazzo del Cinema on Lido di Venezia, marking the opening night of the 80th Venice Film Festival. The film will be distributed in the United States by Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures and Amazon Studios, while international distribution will be handled by Warner Bros Pictures.

Luca Guadagnino expressed his excitement for the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival, describing "Challengers" as a story filled with youthful energy, love, and power. He praised the exceptional performances of Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist, emphasizing their originality and fresh approach. Guadagnino eagerly anticipated the audience's reaction to the film and the opportunity to showcase Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' captivating soundtrack during the festival's opening night.

"Challengers" follows the journey of Tashi Duncan, portrayed by Zendaya, a former tennis prodigy turned coach who exudes a formidable presence both on and off the court. Tashi is married to a struggling champion, played by Mike Faist, and her unconventional strategy to reignite his success takes an unexpected turn when he faces off against Patrick, portrayed by Josh O'Connor, Tashi's former boyfriend and his former best friend. As the past and present collide and tensions rise, Tashi must confront the price she's willing to pay for victory.

The film, written by Justin Kuritzkes, is produced by Amy Pascal, Luca Guadagnino, Zendaya, and Rachel O'Connor, with Bernard Bellew, Lorenzo Mieli, and Kevin Ulrich serving as executive producers. The music for "Challengers" is composed by the acclaimed duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, known for their remarkable work in films such as "The Social Network" and "Gone Girl."

Luca Guadagnino, born in Palermo, Italy, in 1971, has been a prominent figure in the film industry, with several of his previous works premiering at the Venice International Film Festival. His film "Bones and All" received the Silver Lion - Award for Best Director at the 2022 Mostra. Guadagnino's diverse filmography includes notable titles like "Io sono l'amore" (2009), "A Bigger Splash" (2015), and "Call Me by Your Name," which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. He has also served as the president of the jury at the Beirut International Film Festival in 2011 and the 68th San Sebastián Festival.

As the 80th Venice International Film Festival prepares to open its curtains, film enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the world premiere of "Challengers," expecting a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience from the talented Luca Guadagnino and his remarkable cast.