Zendaya explains why she ‘loved’ filming intimate scenes in new movie

Zendaya’s upcoming film has drawn attention for its steamy nature, and the actress has explained why she 'loved' filming those scenes.

Over the years, many actors in Hollywood have said they hated filming sexual and intimate scenes, just simply because it is so awkward.

Yeah, makes sense, since you are trying to convince the audience that you are more than two planks of wood rubbing up against each other.

But Zendaya has opened up about enjoying her steamy scenes in the sports drama film Challengers.

In fact, the actress said she felt more at ease filming those scenes than the sports scenes - seeing as her character is meant to be a tennis prodigy.

The film centers on Tashi (played by Zendaya) a tennis prodigy turned coach who has a husband on a losing streak in his own career.

Her strategy to get her husband back on form takes a surprising turn when he must face off against his former best friend and ex-boyfriend of Tashi.

Zendaya, who is dating her Spider-Man co-star Tom Holland said while speaking to The Mirror: “Tashi is extremely driven. She’s a go-getter and she is totally ruthless.

"The intimate scenes were so good – I loved it. I felt very lucky to be partnered with those guys.

Zendaya’s upcoming film Challengers has drawn attention for its steamy nature. (MGM)

“And whatever the moment, it always felt like they always had my back and I had theirs. We were so lucky to have a director in Luca Guadagnino who really encouraged us all to collaborate and to bring our own ideas.

"It was a really exciting creative process."

Zendaya admitted she wasn’t so keen on the physical aspect of her role, but said she hopes she is convincing as the prodigy viewers enjoy the experience.

She continued: “How did I meet the physical challenges of the role? With great difficulty. I am not one of these people who love to work out.

"But Tashi is supposed to be a top athlete, so there was no getting around it.

The actress said she felt more at ease filming the intimate scenes than the sport ones. (MGM)

“Thankfully, I had an amazing group of people who helped and I learned a lot – about air tennis especially and how to look like I know what I’m doing.

"We trained for something like six weeks, which was pretty tough. Hopefully, we did a good job and people won’t be too upset.

"But I’m not about to give up the day job, that’s for sure! Playing tennis was definitely the most challenging part of making Challengers.”

Challengers is set to release in cinemas on April 26.

Topics: Celebrity, Film and TV, Zendaya

Gerrard Kaonga

Gerrard is a Journalist at UNILAD and has dived headfirst into covering everything from breaking global stories to trending entertainment news. He has a bachelors in English Literature from Brunel University and has written across a number of different national and international publications. Most notably the Financial Times, Daily Express, Evening Standard and Newsweek.