Get the latest gossip

‘Challengers’: Mike Faist Had to Eat Up to 10,000 Calories a Day and Gain 30 Pounds to Transform Into a Tennis Star


Tennis coach Brad Gilbert details the intensive training Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor underwent for 'Challengers.'

In order to deliver authenticity to every ace, volley, serve and rally, the stars of Luca Guadagnino ‘s tennis drama “ Challengers ” each trained for up to six hours a day for three months on the court. In the film, two former friends and double partners Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor) and Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) face off in a challengers match years after falling out over their pursuit of Tashi Duncan (Zendaya). Brad Gilbert, tennis coach to Andy Murray and Coco Gauff, worked extensively with the actors to make sure they could convincingly become sports stars.

Get the Android app

Or read this on Variety

Read more on:

Photo of Mike Faist

Mike Faist

Related news:

News photo

Zendaya dazzles on Variety cover with her Challengers co-stars Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist... as they reveal who had the best abs after their six-week fitness prep for role

News photo

Mike Faist’s Girlfriend: Who Is ‘Challengers’ Star Dating Now?

News photo

Zendaya, Mike Faist, & Josh O'Connor Attend Special Screening of 'Challengers' Hosted by BAFTA