Los Angeles, California – Zendaya’s latest movie, “Challengers,” is making waves at the box office, poised to surpass the competition. However, audience reactions to the film appear to be mixed. According to reports from Deadline, “Challengers” is expected to have an opening weekend of $15.2 million, nearly doubling the next highest opening film, “Unsung Hero,” which is projected to earn $8 million. Despite its box office success, the film’s budget of over $50 million is prompting producers to proceed with caution.
PostTrak, a company that gathers data from moviegoers as they exit theaters, revealed that 55% of viewers came to see “Challengers” because of Zendaya. While 88% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes enjoyed the film, only 77% of audiences shared the same sentiment. This disparity in ratings could impact the film’s longevity in theaters, with 1 in 4 viewers expressing negative opinions.
The tension-filled trailer for “Challengers,” including a scene where two men kiss Zendaya’s neck, has generated buzz and anticipation among audiences. However, some early viewers may have set their expectations too high, leading to potential disappointment. As the weekend box office results are in, discussions among viewers are already labeling the film as controversial.
Ultimately, “Challengers” continues to spark debate among audiences, with its performance at the box office and mixed reviews from viewers and critics alike. As the film navigates its theatrical run, the impact of Zendaya’s star power and the film’s content on its reception will be closely monitored. Despite the polarizing reactions, “Challengers” stands as a testament to Zendaya’s ability to captivate audiences and stir conversation in the entertainment industry.