Los Angeles, California – This weekend, the sultry tennis drama “Challengers” claimed the top spot at the box office, raking in an impressive $15 million in ticket sales. Starring Zendaya, along with Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, the film directed by Luca Guadagnino captivated audiences across 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

The success of “Challengers” can be attributed to the extensive promotion efforts undertaken by the cast, including a whirlwind press tour that spanned the globe. Kevin Wilson, the head of theatrical distribution for Amazon Studios and MGM, expressed delight at the positive reception, particularly noting the challenge of attracting the diverse audience that flocked to theaters to see the film.

With women comprising 58% of ticket buyers and a significant portion falling into the 18-24 age bracket, “Challengers” appealed to a broad demographic. Large format screens, such as IMAX, accounted for 40% of the opening weekend earnings, underscoring the film’s visual impact on audiences.

Zendaya’s star power was a significant draw, with 55% of viewers citing her as the reason for attending the screening. Her involvement in other successful franchises like “Spider-Man” and “Dune” underscored her ability to carry a film, and the decision to release “Challengers” was strategically timed to capitalize on her popularity.

The decision to premiere the film this weekend was a calculated move, as the studio originally planned to debut it at the Venice Film Festival in 2023. However, a strike by actors last July prompted a change in plans, leading to a successful launch in theaters this year. Zendaya’s fashion choices, styled by Law Roach, added an extra layer of allure to the film’s promotion.

Critical reception for “Challengers” has been positive, with an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a B+ CinemaScore from opening day audiences. The film’s success extends beyond the box office, offering downstream value for Amazon, particularly when it eventually reaches Prime Video.

In a competitive weekend at the box office, “Challengers” emerged as the victor, signaling a shift towards more innovative and thought-provoking films. As the summer movie season kicks off, audiences can look forward to a diverse range of offerings, including the upcoming action-comedy “The Fall Guy” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.