‘Challengers’ Steamy 3-Way Kiss Scene Was Not In Original Script, Says Director Luca Guadagnino
deadline.comA central scene in director Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers wasn’t in Justin Kuritzkes’ original script. In the film, Zendaya plays Tashi Duncan, a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court.
Married to a champion, Art (West Side Story‘s Mike Faist), on a losing streak, Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (The Crown‘s Josh O’Conner) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend.
Key to the film is the love triangle between the characters and its power dynamics. The scene in question has the trio relaxing in a hotel room, flirting. “How often does this happen, going after the same girl?” asks Tashi. “Not as often as you think,” replies Art, before Patrick explains, “We usually have different types.” It ends with the three of them on the bed together, kissing. “I don’t think that was in the script at the beginning.
Not at all,” Guadagnino told Entertainment Weekly. “We discussed at length with Justin the concept that the triangle needs to flesh out the possibility that all the corners touch — that if you’re jealous of someone, you’re not jealous of your partner, you’re jealous also not to be picked by the rival.
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