Challengers Stars Josh O’Connor & Mike Faist Sizzle In Luca Guadagnino’s Homoerotic Tennis Drama
Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, Challengers, is taking the world by storm with its delicious, tension-filled drama, centred around tennis players Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) and Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), and their complex relationship with prodigy Tashi Duncan (Zendaya).
A Love Triangle On The Tennis Court
The film follows Patrick and Art’s heated professional rivalry, which is further complicated by their past as besties and roommates who loved each other. Tashi, Art’s intense and demanding coach (and wife), adds another layer to the dynamic, as the two men vie for her love and attention.
O’Connor and Faist spoke to Out about their characters’ fluidity when it comes to sexuality and the process of crafting their on-screen relationship. The actors had six weeks prior to shooting to train, rehearse, and develop their characters. “Josh and I, outside of all of that, we would just walk around Boston and we would just run lines,” Faist revealed. “We really just kind of developed this kind of rapport and we got really to the point where we just knew each other’s lines.”
Patrick’s Unapologetic Fluidity
O’Connor praised his character’s unapologetic nature, particularly in a scene where Patrick is seen swiping right on both women and men on a dating app. “I think that embodies Patrick, really. I think he’s unashamed, unabashed about everything,” O’Connor said. “It’s nice when you see a flawed character like Patrick, like Art, like Tashi. It’s nice to see someone just accept that they are. That can be quite charming and funny and it’s, I guess, a redeeming quality.”
A Privilege To Work With Instinctual Actors
Faist commended his co-stars, calling it a privilege to work with “instinctual actors that know their characters so well and have these ideas.” He added, “They’re able to throw something up in the air to you and you’re able to take that and throw it back.”
With its exploration of complex relationships, sexuality, and professional rivalry, Challengers is a must-see for fans of Luca Guadagnino’s work and those seeking a fresh take on the sports drama genre. Guadagnino’s previous gay favourite is Call Me By Your Name. Josh O’Connor is known for playing a young Prince Charles in The Crown and a rugged gay farmer in God’s Country.
