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In the world of filmmaking, directors often employ innovative methods to capture the perfect shot. But what the acclaimed director ofCall Me By Your Name, Luca Guadagnino did withChallengerswas truly bizarre. Apparently, Guadagnino took an unconventional approach while filming Zendaya’s first scene with Josh O’Connor in the raunchy tennis drama.

Following the release ofChallengers, Josh O’Connor and Zendaya addressed their first scene together in the movie. While speaking about their steamy intimate scene, the duo revealed it was actually the hotel lobby scene that they first shot together. But the stunning part about that sequence remains how Luca Guadagnino apparently shot it through an iPad.
Josh O’Connor and Zendaya Address Their FirstChallengersScene
Josh O’Connorand Zendaya led the recently released sports dramaChallengersalongside Mike Faist, wherein the three shared a few of the most steamy scenes in cinematic history. However, although thethreesome sequences were truly jaw-dropping, fans somehow felt O’Connor and the MCU actress’ intimate scenes were beyond comparison.
Challengers Review – Zendaya Sizzles in Guadagnino’s Steamy Sports Drama
Therefore, addressing their initial intimate scenes inChallengers, as perFilm Updates, Josh O’Connor and Zendaya spoke about the pivotal moment that marked the beginning of their on-screen collaboration. The raw sequence further helped set the tone for their characters’ complex relationship.
According to Josh O’Connor and Zendaya, their first collaborative and intimate scene fromChallengerswas the hotel lobby scene in Atlanta. Addressing how the sequence became a crucial moment in the film, as it introduced the tension and chemistry between O’Connor and Zendaya’s characters, the two actors hailedLuca Guadagninofor it.

Luca Guadagnino Allegedly Shot the Streamy Sequence Through an iPad
Praising Luca Guadagnino’s unique approach, the two actors stated how the filmmaker created asupportive and collaborative environment for themto fully immerse in their roles. Speaking highly of Guadagnino’s direction, and praising his ability to create a comfortable workspace, Josh O’Connor and Zendaya expressed their admiration for Guadagnino’s innovative approach.
“I’m going to be lazy or bored”: Luca Guadagnino’s Method to Shoot Zendaya’s Challengers is Completely Different From David Flincher’s Grueling Gone Girl Process
During the discussion, according toFilm Updates, Josh O’Connor andZendayadisclosed Luca Guadagnino’s unorthodox approach to shooting. Claiming how he utilized technology to guide his stars through the scene, theChallengersactors claimed that Guadagnino apparently directed their hotel lobby scene through an iPad.
josh’s first day on set, their first scene together and luca directing from an ipad and they gave us the best scene in the movie…they’re actually so insane are we kiddinghttps://t.co/PSMHhlSEBh

— domi (@cinephoria)June 23, 2025
Filming the first scene together, especially under unique circumstances like having the director direct via iPad due to illness, must have created a memorable bonding experience for Josh O’Connor and Zendaya. It’s fascinating to hear about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the…pic.twitter.com/6BeC6fVZmt

— Uzma Batool Naqvi (@uzmabatoolnaqvi)August 01, 2025
Oh Luca😂😂 what do mean directing from an ipad😭😂😂

— Wandey😂 (@wandey_leo)July 10, 2025
an iPad‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️https://t.co/WMpjLpbht6
— danny castellano (@rubyspraks)July 11, 2025
While Luca Guadagnino’s use of technology to direct pivotal scenes inChallengerscame as proof of the evolving nature of filmmaking, it also served as a reminder of the director’s iconic skills. Despite shooting it on a low-resolution iPad camera, compared to high-tech film cameras, Guadagnino managed to deliver arguably the best scene in the movie.
Challengersis currently running at your nearest theatres.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3219
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.