Zendaya praises intimacy coordinator on Challengers: 'It was important that we felt safe'

Zendaya praised having an intimacy coordinator on her new film Challengers as she discussed the importance of having a “safe” environment on set.

The Luca Guadagnino-directed film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, an aspiring tennis star who is forced into early retirement after suffering a major injury.

No longer able to play, she turns her attention to coaching Art (Mike Faist), whom she marries, but is left conflicted about her feelings when Art signs onto the Challenger Tour, where he faces off against her ex-boyfriend Patrick (Josh O'Connor).

On Monday, the Emmy winner, 27, spoke about the importance of having an intimacy coordinator while filming the sports romance's intimate scenes at the film's premiere in Rome.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, she said: “We had an intimacy coordinator which was fantastic and very helpful, because it was important that we felt safe.”

The Euphoria star added that she spent much time with her co-stars in a bid to “feel at ease” with one another given the intense nature of their scenes together.

She continued: “I spoke with my colleagues so that we could find a way to feel at ease. We played tennis together, we went out together, we rehearsed together.

“We got to bond and feel good with each other.'

Agreeing with Zendaya’s sentiments, Faist spoke about how their time away from the camera was imperative to creating a solid bond and believable romance on-screen.

He shared: “We were able to spend time together during rehearsals and beyond, especially with Josh. We were able to get to know each other as people before we could get into the film. We created a real friendship that created the basis of the film.”

Challengers hits UK cinemas Friday April 26, 2024