The tennis-themed romantic comedy, starring Zendaya, is set to captivate audiences with its debut

Challengers,” the latest film from Amazon MGM Studios featuring Zendaya and directed by Luca Guadagnino, is on track for a $15 million opening weekend across 3,477 theatres. The film, which delves into the world of competitive tennis, is attracting significant attention, partly due to its appealing demographic of 18- to 34-year-olds expected to flock to theatres this weekend.

The film kicked off with $6.2 million on Friday, including nearly $2 million from previews. This strong start is buoyed by the film’s performance in premium formats such as IMAX and AMC Dolby theatres, underscoring its broad appeal and robust marketing efforts. According to industry sources, the social media engagement for “Challengers” is exceptionally high, with a total reach across various platforms estimated at 278.5 million, significantly surpassing the norms for romantic films.

Zendaya, who has been actively promoting the film on her social media platforms, continues to draw significant attention to “Challengers.” Her involvement has been a critical factor in the film’s promotional strategy, leveraging her substantial fan base.

“Challengers” represents a pivotal moment for Guadagnino, marking his most extensive opening ever. The film, which explores themes of love, rivalry, and personal growth on the tennis court, has been well-received by critics, holding a 91% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audience reactions have been mixed, with an overall positive score of 75% and a 56% definite recommendation rate from initial viewers.

Despite the challenges of a competitive box office environment, “Challengers” is positioned as a strong contender this weekend, thanks in part to its appealing storyline and strong performances. The film’s success could further cement Zendaya’s status as a leading figure in Hollywood and Guadagnino’s reputation for crafting compelling cinematic narratives