Zendaya's 'Challengers' Dominates Box Office With Million

Zendaya, a cast member in "Challengers," poses at the premiere of the film at the Regency Village Theatre, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The tennis drama film 'Challengers' dominated the box office this past weekend, raking in an impressive $15 million in ticket sales. The movie, directed by Luca Guadagnino, stars Zendaya alongside Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor. To promote the film, the cast has been actively engaged in a global press tour, generating buzz for the original production.

'Challengers' was released in 3,477 theaters across the United States and Canada, with a significant portion of its opening weekend revenue coming from large format screens, including IMAX, accounting for 40% of the total gross. Notably, 55% of moviegoers cited Zendaya as their reason for watching the film, underscoring her star power in the industry.

Zendaya, known for her roles in blockbuster franchises like 'Spider-Man' and 'Dune,' takes on a leading role in 'Challengers,' marking a pivotal moment in her career. The decision to move up the film's release date was prompted by external factors, including an actors' strike, leading to a strategic shift in the film's premiere schedule.

Receiving positive reviews, 'Challengers' currently holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a B+ CinemaScore from opening day audiences. The movie's storyline, revolving around a steamy and competitive love triangle among tennis players, has resonated well with viewers, particularly women and younger audiences.

Large format screens contribute 40% to 'Challengers' total gross.

Challengers' earns $15 million, led by Zendaya's star power.

Zendaya's leading role in 'Challengers' marks a career milestone.

'Challengers' receives positive reviews with an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

'Unsung Hero' earns $7.8 million, based on a true story.

For Amazon MGM Studios, the success of 'Challengers' extends beyond the box office, offering downstream value as the film eventually transitions to Prime Video. The movie's performance is poised to surpass Guadagnino's previous works, including 'Bones and All' and 'Call Me By Your Name.'

In second place at the box office was the faith-based film 'Unsung Hero,' earning an estimated $7.8 million from 2,832 locations. The movie, based on the Smallbone family's true story, has garnered critical acclaim, boasting an A+ CinemaScore and a perfect audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Meanwhile, A24's 'Civil War' continues to perform well, adding $7 million in its third weekend and bringing its domestic total to $56.2 million. The film landscape remains diverse and vibrant, offering audiences a range of compelling stories and genres to enjoy.