Zendaya & Josh O'Connor on the queer themes of 'Challengers'

'Call Me By Your Name' director Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, 'Challengers,' is an erotic tennis drama centered on a thorny, three-way relationship between athletes played by Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. Recently, screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes described the central romance as “queer, by nature”—a love triangle where, indeed, “all corners” touch—so we decided to ask the trio of stars what it means to them for 'Challengers' to be considered a “queer film” and how that might’ve shaped their approaches to their roles.

Video edited by Zachery lee Ramey.

[ekdud]

Josh is brilliant, I wish I could see the moment where the cameras start rolling and he goes from this shy, sort of inward seeming individual to the boastful, overly confident character he played onscreen. The switch is crazy. I mean I know that’s what being good at acting entails but it’s still fascinating to see with certain actors.

[poindexterorozco]

Sooo thankful it’s not 2015 anymore when actors would star in a queer af movie and then deflect about it being queer during the press tour (cough cough bohemian rhapsody)

[arieleandalon]

Every interview I see makes me fall more in love with Josh O'Connor. Incredible explanation of his role, he truly understood the assignment of making his character a bisexual agent of chaos and obsessive brat and in turn, helped me better understand him!

[sparkygirl]

Mike literally started in the Broke Back Mountain play and yore not going to talk about his queer roles?

[Kaw]

Zendaya is so stunning and so well spoken. She is going to be around forever and will be an icon one day. Mark my words.

[heidinewman]

Interesting interview. Just saw the film and wow, what a complex character study. Really worth seeing and contemplating.

[notoriousfierce]

I know you have a limited time but still
JUSTICE FOR MIKE FAIST

[sankango]

just the interview i was looking for! thank you for asking these questions <33

[ericamacs]

Kind of badly timed interview but I get that Zendaya jumped in there, shame the question wasn't directed at Mike and Josh straight away, both have played much more explicit queer roles.

[PokhrajRoy.]

So happy to see their interviews and that too, with Cameron. Such fun!

[chalk]

Yessss this is the best interview I’ve seen about the movie yet!!!

[MeelaMeela]

I think the word Josh is looking for is Polyamory??? I haven’t seen the film so I could be wrong but from this interview alone, I feel like what he’s describing is polyamory.

[PokhrajRoy.]

Just wanted to say thank you to all the tweeple who gave me a hit tweet about the recent press conferences.

[Lillianna]

Interviews three actors. Only puts two in the title. Do BETTER 🙄

[chiedu]

Um... Editing? The interviewer couldn't ask Mike to elaborate and have someone edit the responses together?

[danielamongiat]

Let. Mike. Faist. Speak. Let hem them all. Be. Part of the. Inter View

Queer/Gay is still somehow in the closet. Not impressed that we are still hesitant, reticent about same sex relationships. Only independent films have the guts to be a bit more open about same sex desire/love.

[Lizziexx]

I feel like zendaya was trying to avoid making it sound like there is queer people in the movie in the first bit

[supermilkguy]

The LGBTQI2SAP+ Community supports you!!

[MM-femz]

This so didn't feel queer or gay at all.