Film enthusiasts are rallying for a robust debut at the box office for Zendaya’s upcoming movie “Challengers,” which has been forecasted to hit a $15 million opening weekend. This excitement comes in tandem with another Zendaya feature, “Dune: Part Two,” both of which had their release dates postponed due to an actors strike. Both films were initially scheduled for release in the latter half of 2023 but were pushed back to accommodate Zendaya’s potential absence from promotional events due to the strike.
The “new power in Hollywood” is a term credited to “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve, who sees actors like Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet—who has had success in movies such as “Call Me By Your Name” and “Bones and All”—as central figures in this shift. The industry seems to be moving away from its reliance on blockbuster franchises, which often featured less-known actors, and back to a traditional spotlight where big names lead to box office triumphs.
In anticipation of the release of “Challengers,” Zendaya has been actively involved in promotional efforts, including appearances on popular talk shows such as “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” “Live with Kelly and Mark,” “Good Morning America,” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” In addition, the star was featured on the cover of Vogue, offering insightful tidbits about “Challengers.” With a production budget of $55 million as stated by Variety, the film requires a robust box office performance, both domestically and internationally, and the current support by Zendaya fans sets a promising tone for its opening figures.
FAQ Section
What are “Challengers” and “Dune: Part Two” commonalities?
Both films feature actress Zendaya and had their original release dates in the latter half of 2023 postponed due to the actors strike.
Who is considered the “new power in Hollywood” according to Denis Villeneuve?
Denis Villeneuve believes that his “Dune” film leads, such as Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet, represent the “new power in Hollywood.”
What has Zendaya done to promote “Challengers”?
Zendaya has appeared on various talk shows, including “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” among others. Additionally, she graced the cover of Vogue where the film was discussed in further detail.
What is the production budget for “Challengers”?
The production budget for “Challengers” is reported to be $55 million, according to Variety.
What box office performance does “Challengers” need to achieve to be successful?
“Challengers” will need to have substantial ticket sales and perform well internationally to recoup its production costs and be considered a box office success.
Conclusion
The anticipation around Zendaya’s film “Challengers” is indicative of a significant change in the era of Hollywood box office dynamics. The strategic move to delay the film’s release, coupled with Zendaya’s intensive promotional campaign, has set the stage for what could be a successful opening, with expectations for a $15 million opening weekend. This suggests that star power continues to be an influential factor in drawing audiences to theaters, potentially signaling a return to an old Hollywood tradition where the luster of A-list actors drives box office results.