Zendaya's latest project, the romance-tennis drama 'Challengers,' has served up a victory at the box office, securing the number one spot with a solid $15 million opening weekend. The film's success marks the second-best debut for an original R-rated drama since the onset of the pandemic, showcasing its appeal to audiences amidst challenging times.
'Challengers' debuted in 3,477 theaters, meeting industry expectations and positioning itself as the second-best start for an original R-rated drama post-pandemic, trailing behind 'Don't Worry Darling.' Despite being more of an arthouse film, MGM Amazon Studios opted for a nationwide release strategy to bolster awareness, particularly among Zendaya's fanbase who may not yet be subscribers to Amazon Prime, where the movie will eventually stream.
By midweek, 'Challengers' is poised to surpass Luca Guadagnino's 'Call Me By Your Name' as his highest-grossing film domestically, reflecting its strong appeal and box office draw. Starring Zendaya alongside Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor, the film follows a tennis player navigating complex romantic entanglements.
A significant portion of the film's opening weekend revenue, accounting for 37 percent, stemmed from premium-format screenings, including Imax, which were originally slated for release last year but were delayed due to external factors such as the SAG-AFTRA strike. Despite these challenges, exhibitors have lauded Amazon's decision to prioritize theatrical distribution, affirming the enduring allure of the cinema experience.