One of the most anticipated and hottest films of 2024 is finally here. We are talking about Zendaya‘s Challengers which was memed to death for a threesome scene that was shown in the trailer but if you have seen the film then you know that the brilliance of the film is much more than that one scene. Directed by Call Me By Your Name‘s Luca Guadagnino from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes, the sports romantic drama follows the story of a talented tennis player Tashi, and her twisted relationship with two tennis players, one of whom is her husband now. Challengers stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor in the lead role with Jordan Thompson, Faith Fay, Hailey Gates, and Tierre Diaz starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the story of ambition and toxic relationships in Challengers you should check out these films with similar themes next.
- 4/29/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Game, set… but there’s not much of a match. “Challengers,” a steamy tennis drama starring Zendaya and directed by Luca Guadagnino, is poised to lead the domestic box office without much in the way of competition.
The film, from Amazon MGM, is projected to collect $12 million to $15 million from 3,400 North American theaters in its opening weekend. Although those are modest projections for any nationwide release, it’s this weekend’s only major new movie and shouldn’t have trouble claiming first place from A24’s “Civil War,” the reigning champion. Last weekend, “Civil War” topped the box office for the second consecutive frame with $11.1 million and has grossed $70 million globally to date. Overall, the domestic box office is 20% behind the same point in 2023, according to Comscore.
The steamy, R-rated “Challengers” was originally slated to premiere at 2023’s Venice Film Festival and hit the big screen last fall. But the...
The film, from Amazon MGM, is projected to collect $12 million to $15 million from 3,400 North American theaters in its opening weekend. Although those are modest projections for any nationwide release, it’s this weekend’s only major new movie and shouldn’t have trouble claiming first place from A24’s “Civil War,” the reigning champion. Last weekend, “Civil War” topped the box office for the second consecutive frame with $11.1 million and has grossed $70 million globally to date. Overall, the domestic box office is 20% behind the same point in 2023, according to Comscore.
The steamy, R-rated “Challengers” was originally slated to premiere at 2023’s Venice Film Festival and hit the big screen last fall. But the...
- 4/24/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood casting can be a fickle thing. But for actresses who’ve graced the silver screen as Spider-Man’s love interest, there seems to be a recurring theme – a hidden talent for tennis!
A still from Spider-Man
Believe it or not, all three actresses—Kirsten Dunst, Emma Stone, and Zendaya—who have portrayed Spider-Man’s love interest on the big screen share a surprising connection to the world of tennis.
It’s not merely a coincidence; each of them has actually portrayed a tennis player in different movies, following their roles in Spider-Man flicks.
Spider-Man Actresses Have Unexpected Tennis Connection
The first connection in this web of coincidence takes us back to 2004’s romantic comedy Wimbledon. Kirsten Dunst, who famously portrayed Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi‘s Spider-Man trilogy, took on the role of Lizzie Bradbury, a determined young tennis player on the verge of success.
Kirsten Dunst as...
A still from Spider-Man
Believe it or not, all three actresses—Kirsten Dunst, Emma Stone, and Zendaya—who have portrayed Spider-Man’s love interest on the big screen share a surprising connection to the world of tennis.
It’s not merely a coincidence; each of them has actually portrayed a tennis player in different movies, following their roles in Spider-Man flicks.
Spider-Man Actresses Have Unexpected Tennis Connection
The first connection in this web of coincidence takes us back to 2004’s romantic comedy Wimbledon. Kirsten Dunst, who famously portrayed Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi‘s Spider-Man trilogy, took on the role of Lizzie Bradbury, a determined young tennis player on the verge of success.
Kirsten Dunst as...
- 4/4/2024
- by Shreya Jha
- FandomWire
Mirra Andreeva unexpectedly found herself in the "Battle of Sexes" match at the 2023 Négométal Open de Bourg-de-Péage.
In 1970s, the term "Battle of the Sexes" was very popular, when Bobby Riggs took on Margaret Court, who he beat 6-2, 6-1, before losing to Billie Jean King 4-6, 3-6, 3-6.
In 1992, Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova played in another Battle of the Sexes, with Connors winning the match 7-5, 6-2, and since then, fans were waiting for another match between a player competing on the Wta Tour and the Atp Tour.
And now, on December 17th, 2023, it happened. 16-year-old teenage prodigy, Mirra Andreeva, is competing at the off-season tournament in France, 2023 Négométal Open de Bourg-de-Péage at Complexe Vercors in Bourg-de-Péage, France.
In her first match, she thrashed Varvara Gracheva in two sets and in the final of the exhibition tournament, she was supposed to take on Donna Vekic. However, she withdrew...
In 1970s, the term "Battle of the Sexes" was very popular, when Bobby Riggs took on Margaret Court, who he beat 6-2, 6-1, before losing to Billie Jean King 4-6, 3-6, 3-6.
In 1992, Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova played in another Battle of the Sexes, with Connors winning the match 7-5, 6-2, and since then, fans were waiting for another match between a player competing on the Wta Tour and the Atp Tour.
And now, on December 17th, 2023, it happened. 16-year-old teenage prodigy, Mirra Andreeva, is competing at the off-season tournament in France, 2023 Négométal Open de Bourg-de-Péage at Complexe Vercors in Bourg-de-Péage, France.
In her first match, she thrashed Varvara Gracheva in two sets and in the final of the exhibition tournament, she was supposed to take on Donna Vekic. However, she withdrew...
- 12/17/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Before Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs, there was another Battle of the Sexes. At least, that’s what happened in Saturday Night Live‘s revisionist history.
In the vein of Netflix’s Untold series, the November 18 sketch tells the story of another tennis matchup between female player Charna Lee Diamond and male opponent Ronnie Dunster (played by host Jason Momoa).
“There’d be no Billie without Charna,” one sports journalist ponders. “There just wouldn’t be.”
Once they take the court, it doesn’t take long for things to go awry. Ronnie serves the ball, sending it flying straight through Charna’s abdomen. Literally. There is now a hole in her stomach. Adrenaline keeps her going, and she demands Ronnie serve the ball again.
He’s reluctant, but Charna insists. It’s for women, after all! So, he serves the ball once more. Only this time, it decapitates her.
In the vein of Netflix’s Untold series, the November 18 sketch tells the story of another tennis matchup between female player Charna Lee Diamond and male opponent Ronnie Dunster (played by host Jason Momoa).
“There’d be no Billie without Charna,” one sports journalist ponders. “There just wouldn’t be.”
Once they take the court, it doesn’t take long for things to go awry. Ronnie serves the ball, sending it flying straight through Charna’s abdomen. Literally. There is now a hole in her stomach. Adrenaline keeps her going, and she demands Ronnie serve the ball again.
He’s reluctant, but Charna insists. It’s for women, after all! So, he serves the ball once more. Only this time, it decapitates her.
- 11/19/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Spoiler Alert! This post contains details about the eliminated contestant from Wednesday’s episode of The Masked Singer.
Elton John was the man of the hour on Wednesday’s episode of The Masked Singer.
No, the prolific musician didn’t make an appearance (though Jenny McCarthy did mention he was watching). Instead, four contestants paid tribute to John with their song choices. But first, Robin Thicke kicked things off with a rousing rendition of “Tiny Dancer.”
The contestants cycled through John’s hits, like “Bennie and The Jets” and “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting).” But, none were quite so fitting as Royal Hen’s selection, “Philadelphia Freedom.”
You see, underneath the mask was none other than Billie Jean King, who John penned that song for.
Named after her tennis team, the lyrics of the song are meant to honor John’s admiration for King, after the pair built a strong bond through their philanthropy.
Elton John was the man of the hour on Wednesday’s episode of The Masked Singer.
No, the prolific musician didn’t make an appearance (though Jenny McCarthy did mention he was watching). Instead, four contestants paid tribute to John with their song choices. But first, Robin Thicke kicked things off with a rousing rendition of “Tiny Dancer.”
The contestants cycled through John’s hits, like “Bennie and The Jets” and “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting).” But, none were quite so fitting as Royal Hen’s selection, “Philadelphia Freedom.”
You see, underneath the mask was none other than Billie Jean King, who John penned that song for.
Named after her tennis team, the lyrics of the song are meant to honor John’s admiration for King, after the pair built a strong bond through their philanthropy.
- 10/19/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
This Post Contains spoilers for this week’s episode of Fox’s The Masked Singer.
On the fifth episode of The Masked Singer Season 10, a tennis legend was unmasked. Disguised as a suited Royal Hen, the former world No. 1 tennis player Billie Jean King lost in a final smackdown against masked contestant Hawk. The reveal marked panelist Ken Jeong’s third correct guess of the season, and in his usual fashion, he crawled onto the panelist table to celebrate.
“It was great but it is so hot. I’m sweating bullets!
On the fifth episode of The Masked Singer Season 10, a tennis legend was unmasked. Disguised as a suited Royal Hen, the former world No. 1 tennis player Billie Jean King lost in a final smackdown against masked contestant Hawk. The reveal marked panelist Ken Jeong’s third correct guess of the season, and in his usual fashion, he crawled onto the panelist table to celebrate.
“It was great but it is so hot. I’m sweating bullets!
- 10/19/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 10, Episode 5 of “The Masked Singer,” “A Celebration of Elton John,” which aired Oct. 18 on Fox.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote the track “Philadelphia Freedom” in 1975 at the behest of tennis icon Billie Jean King (whose team was the Philadelphia Freedoms). So, it was wildly appropriate that King performed the song on Wednesday during “A Celebration of Elton John” on Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”
King performed “Philadelphia Freedom” as the Royal Hen — and the fact that we know she was on the show means that, alas, she was also the next celebrity to be unmasked on “Singer.”
“A true trail blazer, she is famous for championing equal opportunities for all, and has made it her royal mission to be a voice for the voiceless,” a “Masked Singer” voiceover shared in giving the hints to whom the Royal Hen might be.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote the track “Philadelphia Freedom” in 1975 at the behest of tennis icon Billie Jean King (whose team was the Philadelphia Freedoms). So, it was wildly appropriate that King performed the song on Wednesday during “A Celebration of Elton John” on Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”
King performed “Philadelphia Freedom” as the Royal Hen — and the fact that we know she was on the show means that, alas, she was also the next celebrity to be unmasked on “Singer.”
“A true trail blazer, she is famous for championing equal opportunities for all, and has made it her royal mission to be a voice for the voiceless,” a “Masked Singer” voiceover shared in giving the hints to whom the Royal Hen might be.
- 10/19/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Former President Donald Trump shared that he would debate Meghan Markle after he refused to participate in the GOP debate.
In an interview with the radio talk show, host Hugh Hewitt asked Trump whether he would “sit down with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry” adding that “they don’t like you much.”
Trump responded, “I don’t know that they don’t like me.” He continued by attacking the couple for their relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II. “I don’t think they are very appropriate what they’re saying, what they’re doing, and I didn’t like the way she dealt with the Queen,” he added.
Trump insisted that he and the Queen were “very friendly” and praised her for being “an incredible woman. At 95, she was so sharp. She was 100%.” He took this opportunity to take a jab at President Joe Biden stating, “When you watch Biden,...
In an interview with the radio talk show, host Hugh Hewitt asked Trump whether he would “sit down with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry” adding that “they don’t like you much.”
Trump responded, “I don’t know that they don’t like me.” He continued by attacking the couple for their relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II. “I don’t think they are very appropriate what they’re saying, what they’re doing, and I didn’t like the way she dealt with the Queen,” he added.
Trump insisted that he and the Queen were “very friendly” and praised her for being “an incredible woman. At 95, she was so sharp. She was 100%.” He took this opportunity to take a jab at President Joe Biden stating, “When you watch Biden,...
- 9/7/2023
- by Nina Hauswirth
- Uinterview
It was a battle of the sexes all over the place on Minx Season 2 Episode 5, which saw the backdrop of the infamous Billie Jean King versus Bobby Riggs tennis match create a real-time divide between the women and men.
While Joyce and Doug were off in Vegas trying to sell the international rights to Minx, Tina was dipping into her fun bag by hosting a party at Bottom Dollar.
And it was messy all around, as Joyce ran into some familiar faces and Tina struggled to keep things under control.
Minx Season 2 has been a mixed bag thus far, as so much of what made the first season fun seems to be missing this time around.
I can't put my finger on what's missing, but it lacks some of that charm that made the characters so endearing.
It makes sense, with Minx's success, for everyone to be engaged in a...
While Joyce and Doug were off in Vegas trying to sell the international rights to Minx, Tina was dipping into her fun bag by hosting a party at Bottom Dollar.
And it was messy all around, as Joyce ran into some familiar faces and Tina struggled to keep things under control.
Minx Season 2 has been a mixed bag thus far, as so much of what made the first season fun seems to be missing this time around.
I can't put my finger on what's missing, but it lacks some of that charm that made the characters so endearing.
It makes sense, with Minx's success, for everyone to be engaged in a...
- 8/19/2023
- by Whitney Evans
- TVfanatic
Make no mistake: It's women who come out on top in Minx's Battle of the Sexes, which plays out in various ways across Season 2, Episode 5, "A Stately Pleasure Dome Decree."
With Joyce (Ophelia Lovibond) and Doug (Jake Johnson) heading to Las Vegas to woo international buyers, Bottom Dollar's employees turn their attention to one of the biggest cultural moments of the 1970s: the tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, dubbed the "Battle of the Sexes" by promoters. When the male models call King's talent into question — "I could return that serve with my hands tied behind my back," one says — Shelly (Lennon Parham) challenges them to prove it. In that moment, Minx makes (likely) history with the first televised penis-tennis match, in which Dustin (Chris Riggi) shoves his junk into the bottom of a tennis racket and stands opposite Shelly on the chalk-lined court.
With Joyce (Ophelia Lovibond) and Doug (Jake Johnson) heading to Las Vegas to woo international buyers, Bottom Dollar's employees turn their attention to one of the biggest cultural moments of the 1970s: the tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, dubbed the "Battle of the Sexes" by promoters. When the male models call King's talent into question — "I could return that serve with my hands tied behind my back," one says — Shelly (Lennon Parham) challenges them to prove it. In that moment, Minx makes (likely) history with the first televised penis-tennis match, in which Dustin (Chris Riggi) shoves his junk into the bottom of a tennis racket and stands opposite Shelly on the chalk-lined court.
- 8/18/2023
- by Claire Spellberg Lustig
- Primetimer
Determining what the sexiest sport is at any given time may come down to the players themselves instead of what happens on the pitch, on the field, or on the court. In Luca Guadagnino's upcoming seductive drama "Challengers," stars Zendaya, Mike Faist ("West Side Story"), and Josh O'Connor ("The Crown") bring their undeniable chemistry to the world of tennis to help add a little spice to a game that prides itself on tradition and sportsmanship. Judging by the playful seduction going on in the trailer, what happens on the baseline looks to be a lot less important than what's going down in the bedroom.
As a rising star that looks poised for greatness and grand slam success, Zendaya's character Tashi has all eyes on her, including the attention of two suitors looking to take the competition to the next level. For passionate tennis fans (myself included), Tashi could be...
As a rising star that looks poised for greatness and grand slam success, Zendaya's character Tashi has all eyes on her, including the attention of two suitors looking to take the competition to the next level. For passionate tennis fans (myself included), Tashi could be...
- 8/5/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Acting is an inherently physical profession. A large part of the job deals with memorizing lines, tapping into extreme emotions, and bringing complex stories to life, but there's no denying that much of a thespian's life is spent physically embodying a wide range of characters. To convincingly portray another person, many actors spend a great deal of time perfecting the mannerisms, speech patterns, and physical charm of their roles, hoping to persuade the audience to suspend their disbelief and embrace the on-screen fantasy.
Occasionally, this transformation is as simple as a costume or a well-made wig. Other roles require a total body transformation, causing actors to spend months in intense training to build a physical framework that will allow them to fully tell the story. Christian Bale is known for these chameleon-like transformations and seems to remake his body for every new role he takes on. Though he has become...
Occasionally, this transformation is as simple as a costume or a well-made wig. Other roles require a total body transformation, causing actors to spend months in intense training to build a physical framework that will allow them to fully tell the story. Christian Bale is known for these chameleon-like transformations and seems to remake his body for every new role he takes on. Though he has become...
- 2/12/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- Slash Film
Nearly two decades have passed since the arrest of New Jersey nurse Charles Cullen made national headlines, and now the story of how the serial killer was brought to justice by his coworker, Amy Loughren, has been adapted for the screen under the title “The Good Nurse.” Eddie Redmayne’s performance as Cullen has earned him his sixth Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, which could lead to a history-making victory. Since he already won the lead actor category for 2014’s “The Theory of Everything” and the ensemble award for 2020’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” he only needs to clinch this supporting trophy in order to become the first male recipient of all possible SAG Awards for film acting.
For the first time in nine years, all five supporting actor nominees are new to the category. Paul Dano (“The Fabelmans”) is the only other past SAG Award winner in the bunch,...
For the first time in nine years, all five supporting actor nominees are new to the category. Paul Dano (“The Fabelmans”) is the only other past SAG Award winner in the bunch,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Trixie Mattel does some multitasking in the video for “C’mon Loretta,” silencing a tennis court foe and paying homage to a country great in one fell swoop. The song appears on the drag star and songwriter’s upcoming double LP The Blonde & Pink Albums, due in June.
A guitar-driven garage-pop tune in the vein of Mattel’s ebullient “Yellow Cloud,” “C’mon Loretta” looks at the story Loretta Lynn, who turned 90 on Thursday, and her sometimes-stormy romance with late husband Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn. Mattel sings it almost as if she’s a concerned friend,...
A guitar-driven garage-pop tune in the vein of Mattel’s ebullient “Yellow Cloud,” “C’mon Loretta” looks at the story Loretta Lynn, who turned 90 on Thursday, and her sometimes-stormy romance with late husband Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn. Mattel sings it almost as if she’s a concerned friend,...
- 4/15/2022
- by Jon Freeman
- Rollingstone.com
During his 40-year career as a cinematographer, Robert Elswit has shot movies in practically every genre: “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle,” “Syriana,” “Good Night and Good Luck,” two “Mission: Impossible” films, and six with director Paul Thomas Anderson, including “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia.” He took home an Oscar in 2008 for PTA’s “There Will Be Blood.”
But Elswit had only worked on one sports project before lensing “King Richard,” the biopic starring Will Smith as the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film has been nominated for the Screen Actors Guild award for Best Ensemble Cast (in addition to a solo nod for Smith’s performance) and the Producers Guild Award for Outstanding Producer of a Theatrical Motion Picture, both precursors for the Best Picture Oscar lineup.
TheWrap connected with Elswit from Rome, where he is filming Showtime’s limited series “Ripley,...
But Elswit had only worked on one sports project before lensing “King Richard,” the biopic starring Will Smith as the father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the film has been nominated for the Screen Actors Guild award for Best Ensemble Cast (in addition to a solo nod for Smith’s performance) and the Producers Guild Award for Outstanding Producer of a Theatrical Motion Picture, both precursors for the Best Picture Oscar lineup.
TheWrap connected with Elswit from Rome, where he is filming Showtime’s limited series “Ripley,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Joe McGovern
- The Wrap
Debuting on Netflix on October 18, “Living With Yourself” stars Paul Rudd as Miles Elliott, a man struggling at a crossroads in life who undergoes an experimental spa treatment that promises to make him a better person. However, Miles discovers that, instead, he’s actually been replaced, literally, by the better version of himself. Netflix promises a loopy, existential comedy that asks “Do we really want to be better?”
The quirky, science-fiction premise sounds eerily similar to director Charlie McDowell’s “The One I Love” from 2014, wherein Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss, as a couple in crisis, confront their doppelgängers while trying to work out the kinks in their relationship.
The eight-episode series stars Paul Rudd, Aisling Bea, Desmin Borges (“You’re the Worst”), Karen Pittman (“The Morning Show”), Zoe Chao, and Rob Yang (“Succession”).
Paul Rudd, meanwhile, is busy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reprising his role as Scott Lang a.
The quirky, science-fiction premise sounds eerily similar to director Charlie McDowell’s “The One I Love” from 2014, wherein Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss, as a couple in crisis, confront their doppelgängers while trying to work out the kinks in their relationship.
The eight-episode series stars Paul Rudd, Aisling Bea, Desmin Borges (“You’re the Worst”), Karen Pittman (“The Morning Show”), Zoe Chao, and Rob Yang (“Succession”).
Paul Rudd, meanwhile, is busy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reprising his role as Scott Lang a.
- 9/16/2019
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
In honor of the women’s U.S soccer team beating out the Netherlands in Sunday’s World Cup Final, watch these inspiring female athletes bring their star-power to the silver-screen. From “Bring it On” to “Bend it Like Beckham,” we have you covered with movies that run the athletic gamut.
“Bring it On”
Two rival cheerleading squads duke it out in a teen flick fraught with routine theft, betrayal, romantic drama, and of course high flying cheer stunts. The movie delivers on its title’s promise — the girls of Rancho Carne and East Compton High indeed “bring it on.” Watch the young Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union give starmaking performances in this cult classic.
“Bring it On Again”
The cheerleading sequel has graduated from high school drama to college campus drama. With an entirely new cast and plotline, the followup still maintains the cheer squad battles that made its predecessor so entertaining.
“Bring it On”
Two rival cheerleading squads duke it out in a teen flick fraught with routine theft, betrayal, romantic drama, and of course high flying cheer stunts. The movie delivers on its title’s promise — the girls of Rancho Carne and East Compton High indeed “bring it on.” Watch the young Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union give starmaking performances in this cult classic.
“Bring it On Again”
The cheerleading sequel has graduated from high school drama to college campus drama. With an entirely new cast and plotline, the followup still maintains the cheer squad battles that made its predecessor so entertaining.
- 7/7/2019
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (Ladf) announced today that equality trailblazers Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss will be honored at its 5th Anniversary Blue Diamond Gala on Wednesday, June 12 at Dodger Stadium.
The social activists, tennis champions, and longtime partners, who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group, will be recognized for their ongoing commitment to creating positive change through sports.
Sports Legend, Los Angeles Dodgers Owner, and Ladf Board Member Earvin "Magic" Johnson will also take the stage to introduce world-renowned musician Bruno Mars, who will bring the house down with a benefit concert for all in attendance. The evening will kick off with a star-studded blue carpet and pre-show dinner party, followed by two hours of entertainment and post-show food trucks, all to celebrate the impactful work being done year-round by Ladf. For tickets, sponsorship packages, and more information, please visit www.dodgers.com/gala.
“We...
The social activists, tennis champions, and longtime partners, who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group, will be recognized for their ongoing commitment to creating positive change through sports.
Sports Legend, Los Angeles Dodgers Owner, and Ladf Board Member Earvin "Magic" Johnson will also take the stage to introduce world-renowned musician Bruno Mars, who will bring the house down with a benefit concert for all in attendance. The evening will kick off with a star-studded blue carpet and pre-show dinner party, followed by two hours of entertainment and post-show food trucks, all to celebrate the impactful work being done year-round by Ladf. For tickets, sponsorship packages, and more information, please visit www.dodgers.com/gala.
“We...
- 3/14/2019
- Look to the Stars
Shelly Saltman, a sports promoter who helped fuel interest in the Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match and Evel Knievel's attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon, has died. He was 87.
Saltman died Saturday in Los Angeles, publicist Michael Saltzman announced.
The original president of Fox Sports, Saltman worked for Lew Wasserman at McA television and for Mark McCormack at Img. After launching his own PR firm, he represented musical acts including Andy Williams, The Osmonds, Roger Miller and Ray Stevens.
Later, he managed the careers of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky,...
Saltman died Saturday in Los Angeles, publicist Michael Saltzman announced.
The original president of Fox Sports, Saltman worked for Lew Wasserman at McA television and for Mark McCormack at Img. After launching his own PR firm, he represented musical acts including Andy Williams, The Osmonds, Roger Miller and Ray Stevens.
Later, he managed the careers of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky,...
- 2/19/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Don Kaye Dec 20, 2018
Welcome to Marwen star Steve Carell on working with Robert Zemeckis, plus Vice, The Office and more.
Not only is Steve Carell genuinely nice, thoughtful and soft-spoken in real life, but he possesses a vast amount of acting talent that has been on full display in his recent work. Known for his comedic stints on The Daily Show, films like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Anchorman and, of course, the now legendary series The Office, Carell’s body of work over the last few years has included a range of complex and fascinating roles, mostly as figures from real life: his Golden Globe-winning portrayal of John du Pont in Foxcatcher (2014), investment banker Steve Eisman/Mark Baum in The Big Short (2015), tennis star Bobby Riggs in Battle of the Sexes (2017) and, earlier this fall, journalist David Sheff in Beautiful Boy.
He’s now appearing in two films opening within...
Welcome to Marwen star Steve Carell on working with Robert Zemeckis, plus Vice, The Office and more.
Not only is Steve Carell genuinely nice, thoughtful and soft-spoken in real life, but he possesses a vast amount of acting talent that has been on full display in his recent work. Known for his comedic stints on The Daily Show, films like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Anchorman and, of course, the now legendary series The Office, Carell’s body of work over the last few years has included a range of complex and fascinating roles, mostly as figures from real life: his Golden Globe-winning portrayal of John du Pont in Foxcatcher (2014), investment banker Steve Eisman/Mark Baum in The Big Short (2015), tennis star Bobby Riggs in Battle of the Sexes (2017) and, earlier this fall, journalist David Sheff in Beautiful Boy.
He’s now appearing in two films opening within...
- 12/20/2018
- Den of Geek
The Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative (Bjkli) hosted a tribute night in honor of Founder Billie Jean King's 75th birthday at the New-York Historical Society on November 14, 2018.
Billie Jean King at Bjk 75
The event titled “Bjk 75” served as a platform to raise funding for a permanent exhibition of King’s collection at the museum and the digitization of her archives to ensure future generations have the opportunity and access to learn from King’s life story.
“Ensuring that Billie Jean King and her collection remains a permanent fixture in our halls is an important statement in the history of women who have a significant impact on American history,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. “While the museum is an incredible place to visit, we are conscious that not everyone has access. The digitization of the collection will ensure we can share Billie Jean...
Billie Jean King at Bjk 75
The event titled “Bjk 75” served as a platform to raise funding for a permanent exhibition of King’s collection at the museum and the digitization of her archives to ensure future generations have the opportunity and access to learn from King’s life story.
“Ensuring that Billie Jean King and her collection remains a permanent fixture in our halls is an important statement in the history of women who have a significant impact on American history,” said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. “While the museum is an incredible place to visit, we are conscious that not everyone has access. The digitization of the collection will ensure we can share Billie Jean...
- 11/26/2018
- Look to the Stars
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit platforms. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
Battle of the Sexes (Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton)
The 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs captured the imagination of not only tennis enthusiasts, but of the whole world. There has always been the persistent rumor that Riggs threw the match to settle debts with the mob. Whether or not that is true seems highly irrelevant to directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan...
Battle of the Sexes (Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton)
The 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs captured the imagination of not only tennis enthusiasts, but of the whole world. There has always been the persistent rumor that Riggs threw the match to settle debts with the mob. Whether or not that is true seems highly irrelevant to directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan...
- 7/20/2018
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Tennis icons and equal rights champions, Serena and Venus Williams have joined the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative (Bjkli) advisory board, it was announced today.
In addition to their success on the tennis court, where they’ve captured a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles, along with 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, and 4 Olympic gold medals each, the Williams sisters are strong advocates for equal prize money in the sport. They are also accomplished businesswomen and dedicated philanthropists. In 2016, Serena and Venus teamed up to establish The Williams Sisters Fund, which seeks to support various philanthropic efforts. Their first project, The Yetunde Price Resource Center, was created in honor of their late sister, Yetunde Price.
Billie Jean King and the Williams sisters first met at a World TeamTennis clinic in Long Beach, California when Serena and Venus were young girls. They also worked together on the court when King was the Captain...
In addition to their success on the tennis court, where they’ve captured a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles, along with 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, and 4 Olympic gold medals each, the Williams sisters are strong advocates for equal prize money in the sport. They are also accomplished businesswomen and dedicated philanthropists. In 2016, Serena and Venus teamed up to establish The Williams Sisters Fund, which seeks to support various philanthropic efforts. Their first project, The Yetunde Price Resource Center, was created in honor of their late sister, Yetunde Price.
Billie Jean King and the Williams sisters first met at a World TeamTennis clinic in Long Beach, California when Serena and Venus were young girls. They also worked together on the court when King was the Captain...
- 4/12/2018
- Look to the Stars
Anyone who's ever psyched themselves out prepping for a game, any game – life included – should take a look at Borg vs. McEnroe. There's a lesson to be learned in watching two tennis titans go at it in a movie dished out for maximum entertainment and a sneaky sense of unease. It's Wimbledon, 1980, and Swedish champion Björn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) is going for a record-breaking fifth Wimbledon title against bratty American newcomer John McEnroe (Shia Labeouf). Ancient history? Maybe. Tennis buffs all know how it turned out. Uninitiated millennials, not so much.
- 4/12/2018
- Rollingstone.com
Almost as big a challenge as knocking off a four-time Wimbledon champion is actually centering an entire movie around a match where most probably already know the outcome. But that is exactly what director Janus Metz and screenwriter Ronnie Sandahl have done with Borg Vs. McEnroe, a recreation of the infamous 1980 Wimbledon men’s tennis final that pitted four-time victor Bjorn Borg against the current bad boy of the game John McEnroe.
Utilizing flashbacks to get their stories growing up, as well as all the bells and whistles surrounding the match itself, it could have seemed anti-climatic to get to the main event well over the hour mark, but thanks to eerily exact performances from a cool Sverrir Gudnason as Borg and especially Shia Labeouf, a sometimes bad boy himself, as McEnroe we stay just engaged enough to care which way this thing is going to go. Now, tennis fan that I am,...
Utilizing flashbacks to get their stories growing up, as well as all the bells and whistles surrounding the match itself, it could have seemed anti-climatic to get to the main event well over the hour mark, but thanks to eerily exact performances from a cool Sverrir Gudnason as Borg and especially Shia Labeouf, a sometimes bad boy himself, as McEnroe we stay just engaged enough to care which way this thing is going to go. Now, tennis fan that I am,...
- 4/11/2018
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
To mark the release of Battle of the Sexes on 26th March, we’ve been given 3 copies to give away on DVD.
Based on the true story of the electrifying 1973 tennis match between women’s champion Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and former world number 1, Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) after he infamously claimed he could beat any of the female champion players at the time. The historic contest changed the game for women in tennis and the women’s rights movement at the time, a topic that remains centre court in 2018 as we mark 100 years of votes for women.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 26th March 2018 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is available
The usual T&Cs can be found here.
Based on the true story of the electrifying 1973 tennis match between women’s champion Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and former world number 1, Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) after he infamously claimed he could beat any of the female champion players at the time. The historic contest changed the game for women in tennis and the women’s rights movement at the time, a topic that remains centre court in 2018 as we mark 100 years of votes for women.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 26th March 2018 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is available
The usual T&Cs can be found here.
- 3/16/2018
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
What jaw-dropping Oscar nominations could happen Tuesday morning? Though the odds may be against them, we shouldn’t be too surprised if these contenders in top categories are called out during the nominations announcement. Here are the top five most shocking inclusions that might conceivably happen:
See Oscars 2018: Nomination predictions in all 24 categories according to Gold Derby Experts, Editors, and Users combined odds
#5: Steve Carell (“Battle of the Sexes”) in Best Supporting Actor
Have we been underestimating Steve Carell this whole time? A past Best Actor nominee for “Foxcatcher” (2014), Carell has contended at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics Choice Awards for his showy performance as tennis pro Bobby Riggs in “Battle of the Sexes.” True, the fact that he competed as a lead at the Globes and as a supporting actor at SAG could cause some category confusion (just ask Hugh Grant from “Florence Foster Jenkins...
See Oscars 2018: Nomination predictions in all 24 categories according to Gold Derby Experts, Editors, and Users combined odds
#5: Steve Carell (“Battle of the Sexes”) in Best Supporting Actor
Have we been underestimating Steve Carell this whole time? A past Best Actor nominee for “Foxcatcher” (2014), Carell has contended at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics Choice Awards for his showy performance as tennis pro Bobby Riggs in “Battle of the Sexes.” True, the fact that he competed as a lead at the Globes and as a supporting actor at SAG could cause some category confusion (just ask Hugh Grant from “Florence Foster Jenkins...
- 1/23/2018
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
<!--[Cdata[
It was the first and only tennis match to attract a Super Bowl-sized audience. Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs' match on Sept. 20, 1973, drew nearly the same number of U.S. television viewers as the Miami Dolphins-Minnesota Vikings matchup four months later. Still, few remember the football game. Everybody remembers the Battle of the Sexes.
More than a TV event, it was a giant cultural "happening." Such stars as Glen Campbell, George Foreman and Jim Brown were in attendance at the Houston Astrodome, as was a live pig (King's pre-match gift to Riggs) and a human-sized Sugar Daddy...
It was the first and only tennis match to attract a Super Bowl-sized audience. Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs' match on Sept. 20, 1973, drew nearly the same number of U.S. television viewers as the Miami Dolphins-Minnesota Vikings matchup four months later. Still, few remember the football game. Everybody remembers the Battle of the Sexes.
More than a TV event, it was a giant cultural "happening." Such stars as Glen Campbell, George Foreman and Jim Brown were in attendance at the Houston Astrodome, as was a live pig (King's pre-match gift to Riggs) and a human-sized Sugar Daddy...
- 1/9/2018
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Good films contain moments of cinematic excellence, where writing, directing, design, and acting combine to create something far more brilliant than the sum of its parts. Great films are chock-full of such moments. We at Backstage have chosen our favorite scenes from our favorite titles of the year in an effort to answer the question: What makes a film award-worthy? The especially strong contenders of 2017 make highlighting just one snapshot of greatness difficult. As the new year kicks Oscar season into high gear, we’re reflecting on the singular moments that cemented these titles in our minds—and in the awards race. Billie Jean King takes a moment in “Battle of the Sexes”“Times change. You should know; you just changed them.” Sometimes a film’s line is written and delivered so well, it colors every scene that came before it—and every feeling you’ll have afterward. Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy...
- 1/4/2018
- backstage.com
Although I was only a pint-sized version of myself in 1973, I heard about the battle that had the country’s attention and knew the sides being drawn. In the film Battle of the Sexes, the men are pitted against the women as that battle — the memorable tennis match — plays out at the Houston Astrodome. Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) was successful on the men’s tennis circuit. Now, over 50 years old, his time on the court is spent hustling the men who challenge him. If there’s money on the line, he wants it and will do anything to get [...]
The post New to On Demand: Battle of the Sexes appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post New to On Demand: Battle of the Sexes appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 1/2/2018
- by Paul Hall
- ChannelGuideMag
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit platforms. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
American Made (Doug Liman)
Perhaps the most interesting thing about American Made is that Tom Cruise still has the clout to get something like it into theaters. Guided by his Edge of Tomorrow collaborator Doug Liman, we are told the impossibly true story of Barry Seal, a bored pilot who becomes a C.I.A.-funded drug smuggler and living embodiment of the Reagan era’s bullshit-tery. Taking structural cues from stuff like Goodfellas and Blow,...
American Made (Doug Liman)
Perhaps the most interesting thing about American Made is that Tom Cruise still has the clout to get something like it into theaters. Guided by his Edge of Tomorrow collaborator Doug Liman, we are told the impossibly true story of Barry Seal, a bored pilot who becomes a C.I.A.-funded drug smuggler and living embodiment of the Reagan era’s bullshit-tery. Taking structural cues from stuff like Goodfellas and Blow,...
- 12/22/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Top 7 Sports Movies Inspired by True StoriesTop 7 Sports Movies Inspired by True StoriesAmanda Wood and Jenny Bullough12/18/2017 10:00:00 Am
Sports movies are a dime a dozen these days, but not all of them are able to claim the highly-coveted title of true stories. Based on the unbelievable but true events, I, Tonya is a darkly comedic tale of American figure skater, Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her association with an infamous, ill-conceived, and even more poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan.
There are plenty of other sports movies based on true stories that we love, and we’ve made a list to put all of our faves in one place. A wide variety of sports are represented here, with movies about baseball,...
Sports movies are a dime a dozen these days, but not all of them are able to claim the highly-coveted title of true stories. Based on the unbelievable but true events, I, Tonya is a darkly comedic tale of American figure skater, Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her association with an infamous, ill-conceived, and even more poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan.
There are plenty of other sports movies based on true stories that we love, and we’ve made a list to put all of our faves in one place. A wide variety of sports are represented here, with movies about baseball,...
- 12/18/2017
- by Amanda Wood and Jenny Bullough
- Cineplex
On November 28th, 1953, a military scientist named Frank Olson died after falling out the window of his New York hotel room. Did he jump ... or was he pushed? That question has consumed the life of his son, Eric. And it's now the focus of Wormwood, the new four-hour-plus film from Oscar-winning documentarian Errol Morris, who has spent his landmark career exploring the truth that governments and powerful individuals don't want us to know.
Streaming on Netflix in six episodes and screening in select theaters, Wormwood could serve as a grand...
Streaming on Netflix in six episodes and screening in select theaters, Wormwood could serve as a grand...
- 12/15/2017
- Rollingstone.com
Will Ferrell has signed up to play Bobby Riggs in upcoming tennis drama Match Maker.
The Anchorman actor will lead the cast of the film centred around the 1973 Battle of the Sexes match between Riggs and Billie Jean King.
Steve Conrad will pen the script of the project, which is adapted from an Espn Magazine feature titled The Match Maker: Bobby Riggs, The Mafia and The Battle of the Sexes.
The original article claimed that Riggs lost the match on purpose in order to pay gambling debts, but others have denied the allegations.
Ferrell previously attended the premiere of a documentary about the famous match, titled Battle of the Sexes.
Danny Boyle was recently linked with directing the project, but his involvement is yet to be confirmed.
Ferrell will soon star as a rich investment banker who is framed in a money scheme and sent to jail in Ethan Cohen's Get Hard.
The Anchorman actor will lead the cast of the film centred around the 1973 Battle of the Sexes match between Riggs and Billie Jean King.
Steve Conrad will pen the script of the project, which is adapted from an Espn Magazine feature titled The Match Maker: Bobby Riggs, The Mafia and The Battle of the Sexes.
The original article claimed that Riggs lost the match on purpose in order to pay gambling debts, but others have denied the allegations.
Ferrell previously attended the premiere of a documentary about the famous match, titled Battle of the Sexes.
Danny Boyle was recently linked with directing the project, but his involvement is yet to be confirmed.
Ferrell will soon star as a rich investment banker who is framed in a money scheme and sent to jail in Ethan Cohen's Get Hard.
- 4/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Washington, April 4: Will Ferrell has joined the cast of former Wimbledon champions Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King inspired film 'Match Maker', where he will star as Riggs.
According to Deadline.com, the film is based on an article that appeared in Espn The Magazine, titled 'The Match Maker: Bobby Riggs, The Mafia And The Battle Of The Sexes'.
The article focuses on a 1973 tennis match, where tennis star King, then 29, faced off against 55-year-old Riggs, and took him down.
The match had drawn 50 million TV viewers.
Steven Conrad of 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' has been assigned to write the script..
According to Deadline.com, the film is based on an article that appeared in Espn The Magazine, titled 'The Match Maker: Bobby Riggs, The Mafia And The Battle Of The Sexes'.
The article focuses on a 1973 tennis match, where tennis star King, then 29, faced off against 55-year-old Riggs, and took him down.
The match had drawn 50 million TV viewers.
Steven Conrad of 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' has been assigned to write the script..
- 4/4/2014
- by Ketali Mehta
- RealBollywood.com
Will Ferrell is no stranger to sports movies: he’s appeared in Semi-Pro, Blades Of Glory, Talladega Nights and Kicking & Screaming. Now he’s set to combine one of his real-life passions with a true tale and a comedy drama script for Match Maker.The project comes from Walter Mitty writer Steve Conrad, based on an article by Don Van Natta Jr. called The Match Maker: Bobby Riggs, The Mafia And The Battle Of The Sexes. It’ll chronicle the rivalry between former tennis pro Riggs and his 29-year-old opponent Billie Jean King, who hit the court for a legendary match in 1973 that - it was claimed - would establish if a female pro could ever beat a male in the sport. The event drew a huge audience of more than 50 million Americans, eager to see who would triumph.Ferrell would bring his own tennis skills to the court, with...
- 4/3/2014
- EmpireOnline
Back in February we learned that Danny Boyle was developing a film about the famous "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973. And since Hollywood likes movies in pairs every year now, it only makes sense that another film focusing on the same subject is in the works. THR has word that Will Ferrell is currently attached to a comedy called Match Maker that will focus on the tennis rivalry with The Secret Life of Walter Mitty writer Steven Conrad writing the script based on the Espn Magazine article "The Match Maker: Bobby Riggs, The Mafia & The Battle of the Sexes." What's interesting is that the film is described as a comedy. Of course, even Danny Boyle's film would likely have some humor in it since there's plety of fun to be had in the rivalry itself. More than likely this will...
- 4/3/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Will Ferrell has attached himself to star in Match Maker, a sports comedy about the legendary conflict between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King. At the same time, Steven Conrad has come aboard to write the script for the project, which is being developed by Chernin Entertainment and Gary Sanchez Produciotns. Match Maker adapts the Espn Magazine article "The Match Maker: Bobby Riggs, The Mafia and The Battle of the Sexes” penned by Don Van Natta Jr. The told of the infamous rivalry between Riggs, a tennis champ
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- 4/3/2014
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will Ferrell has taken a headlining role in Match Maker , says a story today at The Hollywood Reporter . The film, scripted by Steve Conrad, is based on the real-life 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Based directly on Espn 's recent article "The Match Maker: Bobby Riggs, The Mafia and The Battle of the Sexes" by Don Van Natta Jr., the big screen version will feature Ferrell as Riggs, an aging tennis pro whose match against the significantly younger King became a broadcast sensation with a lot more going on behind the scenes than most viewers of the day were aware. Chernin Entertainment's Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping are producing alongside Gary Sanchez Productions' Adam McKay and Ferrell himself. No...
- 4/3/2014
- Comingsoon.net
Following the release of "Trance," Danny Boyle has piling up potential next projects. "We're working on two period pieces at the moment, but they won't be like, 'Downton Abbey' period movies," the director told us last spring, teasing one was an adaptation of a book (which he wouldn't name), while the other is being written by John Hodge. Of course, there's also the long talked about "Trainspotting" sequel brewing, plus a feature take on the documentary "Smash And Grab." Now, you can add another one to the pile. The NY Post reports that Boyle has quietly started work on a biopic on famed tennis player Billie Jean King, with the film focusing on her legendary match against Bobby Riggs in 1973. Dubbed "The Battle Of The Sexes," the match found Riggs coming out of retirement at the age of 55 to play King in a best-of-five showdown (she had initially turned him down,...
- 2/19/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Director reportedly in talks over film about King's 'battle of the sexes' match with male veteran Bobby Riggs
Danny Boyle has been tipped to take on a biopic of Billie Jean King which would centre on the the tennis champion's infamous "battle of the sexes" match against male veteran Bobby Riggs.
The New York Post's Page Six column reports that Boyle is currently in the Big Apple for talks with King and other proposed participants. The Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, Boyle's regular collaborator, is said to be in charge of the script.
King's battle with Riggs in 1973 still stands as one of the most watched tennis matches of all time. It took place after the 55-year-old former Wimbledon and Us Open winner challenged the reigning women's Wimbledon champion to a high-profile televised match in Houston, Texas, insisting he would emerge victorious despite the 26-year age gap between the participants.
Danny Boyle has been tipped to take on a biopic of Billie Jean King which would centre on the the tennis champion's infamous "battle of the sexes" match against male veteran Bobby Riggs.
The New York Post's Page Six column reports that Boyle is currently in the Big Apple for talks with King and other proposed participants. The Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, Boyle's regular collaborator, is said to be in charge of the script.
King's battle with Riggs in 1973 still stands as one of the most watched tennis matches of all time. It took place after the 55-year-old former Wimbledon and Us Open winner challenged the reigning women's Wimbledon champion to a high-profile televised match in Houston, Texas, insisting he would emerge victorious despite the 26-year age gap between the participants.
- 2/19/2014
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Billie Jean King answers questions easily, directly and gracefully, pretty much how she ruled the tennis court.
Leaving an interview, the conversation turns to ballet, which King adores. Standing in a hotel lobby, she hooks one leg onto a waist-high banister, assuming a classical ballet stretch. Grinning, she says to Zap2it, "Not bad for an old woman."
Not bad at all, given the eight knee operations since she burst onto the world stage in a victory that never gets old.
King trouncing Bobby Riggs was a glorious turning point in history.
For those born after the 1973 match, PBS' "American Masters" profile of King, airing Tuesday, Sept. 10 (check local listings), is required viewing. It should be for those who lived it anyway.
"You see yourself on that and think, 'Is that really me?' There is such a disconnect," King says.
Besides King's phenomenal stats -- 20 Wimbledon titles, 39 Grand Slam...
Leaving an interview, the conversation turns to ballet, which King adores. Standing in a hotel lobby, she hooks one leg onto a waist-high banister, assuming a classical ballet stretch. Grinning, she says to Zap2it, "Not bad for an old woman."
Not bad at all, given the eight knee operations since she burst onto the world stage in a victory that never gets old.
King trouncing Bobby Riggs was a glorious turning point in history.
For those born after the 1973 match, PBS' "American Masters" profile of King, airing Tuesday, Sept. 10 (check local listings), is required viewing. It should be for those who lived it anyway.
"You see yourself on that and think, 'Is that really me?' There is such a disconnect," King says.
Besides King's phenomenal stats -- 20 Wimbledon titles, 39 Grand Slam...
- 9/10/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Queen of Tennis and equality advocate Billie Jean King will be the subject of the next film in PBS's "American Masters" series. The documentary, directed by James Erskine ("One Night in Turin," "The Battle of the Sexes"), profiles King's experience growing up as a girl on the tennis courts where she witnessed sexism and inequality. As she rose to tennis stardom, she made it her mission to play for equality for women in sports. The documentary will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the famous Billie Jean King/Bobby Riggs match, which became known as the Battle of the Sexes, and her founding of the Women's Tennis Association. King presents her own story, with perspectives from Rosie Casals, Chris Evert, Venus Williams, Gloria Steinem, Sir Elton John, Bobby Riggs’ son Larry, and others. The film will premiere September 10 on PBS, making the first time "American Masters" has profiled a sports figure.
- 7/15/2013
- by Madeline Raynor
- Indiewire
To mark the release of The Sexes on DVD July 8th, we’ve got 5 copies of the tennis documentary to give away. The film chronicles the birth of women’s professional tennis and features interviews with Billie Jean King, Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Larry Riggs, Virginia Wade, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki. The film is directed by James Erskine and Zara Hayes.
The film, from Victoria Gregory, the co-producer of Man on Wire and James Erskine, director of One Night in Turin and From the Ashes, centers around the 1973 match between the-then-Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King and the former men’s champion, and self-proclaimed “male chauvinist pig” Bobby Riggs. The gripping match became the most watched tennis match in the history of the game.
It was a match made in heaven: she was the darling of American tennis, an outspoken activist against sexism in sport...
The film, from Victoria Gregory, the co-producer of Man on Wire and James Erskine, director of One Night in Turin and From the Ashes, centers around the 1973 match between the-then-Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King and the former men’s champion, and self-proclaimed “male chauvinist pig” Bobby Riggs. The gripping match became the most watched tennis match in the history of the game.
It was a match made in heaven: she was the darling of American tennis, an outspoken activist against sexism in sport...
- 7/4/2013
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Billie Jean King can still remember exactly how she felt as she walked to the net.
"He said to me, 'I underestimated you,' and all I could hear in my ear was my father telling me ever since I was a small child, 'Always respect, never underestimate.' Riggs should have listened to my father."
And she chuckles, the memory of victory on a tennis court in 1973 as fresh now as it was then.
Billie Jean was certain she was going to win, even if she can't remember it now
It was a particularly sweet moment for Bjk. Her opponent Bobby Riggs had been trumpeting that there was no room for women on the tennis court, that they could never match the men, just as King and her peers were battling for social change, equality, in general, and for the women's game to be taken seriously, in particular.
Perhaps the odds weren't evenly stacked.
"He said to me, 'I underestimated you,' and all I could hear in my ear was my father telling me ever since I was a small child, 'Always respect, never underestimate.' Riggs should have listened to my father."
And she chuckles, the memory of victory on a tennis court in 1973 as fresh now as it was then.
Billie Jean was certain she was going to win, even if she can't remember it now
It was a particularly sweet moment for Bjk. Her opponent Bobby Riggs had been trumpeting that there was no room for women on the tennis court, that they could never match the men, just as King and her peers were battling for social change, equality, in general, and for the women's game to be taken seriously, in particular.
Perhaps the odds weren't evenly stacked.
- 6/28/2013
- by Caroline Frost
- Huffington Post
Review Juliette Harrisson 27 Jun 2013 - 06:08
Juliette reviews a documentary about one of tennis' most infamous matches of the 1970s...
‘The Battle of the Sexes’ is a title used for several exhibition tennis matches in which male players played female players. This entertaining documentary is focused on the most famous of them, the best-of-five-sets match played between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.
There’s always a risk in any kind of sports film that it will only be of interest to fans of the sport, but that shouldn’t be the case here. It is assumed that viewers are familiar with the basic rules of tennis – the significance of King and Riggs’ match being played to five sets is not explained in detail – but the film does a good job of contextualising the match for viewers unfamiliar with the story, providing plenty of background on the struggle for...
Juliette reviews a documentary about one of tennis' most infamous matches of the 1970s...
‘The Battle of the Sexes’ is a title used for several exhibition tennis matches in which male players played female players. This entertaining documentary is focused on the most famous of them, the best-of-five-sets match played between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973.
There’s always a risk in any kind of sports film that it will only be of interest to fans of the sport, but that shouldn’t be the case here. It is assumed that viewers are familiar with the basic rules of tennis – the significance of King and Riggs’ match being played to five sets is not explained in detail – but the film does a good job of contextualising the match for viewers unfamiliar with the story, providing plenty of background on the struggle for...
- 6/27/2013
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
The Battle Of The Sexes Trailer. James Erskine, Victoria Gregory‘s The Battle Of The Sexes (2013) movie trailer stars Billie Jean King, Bobby Riggs, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, and Maria Sharapova. The Battle Of The Sexes‘ plot synopsis: “A look at the events leading up to the 1973 tennis match between retired [...]
Continue reading: The Battle Of The Sexes (2013) Movie Trailer: Billie Jean King Documentary...
Continue reading: The Battle Of The Sexes (2013) Movie Trailer: Billie Jean King Documentary...
- 6/8/2013
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
With the recent success of Senna, The Imposter and Searching for Sugar Man the feature length documentary appears to have acquired a welcome new lease of life and certainly a new audience.
The Battle of the Sexes tells the story of the famous 1973 tennis match between the Wimbledon’s womens champion Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. While the game stayed the same once the match was over change would be made on and off the court. Riggs had made some inflammatory comments, to the effect that he (now retired, and 55 years of age) could beat any women in the world at tennis, and up stepped Billie Jean King to dispute his claims.
James Erskine and Victoria Gregory’s film was announced in the 2013 programme for the Edinburgh Film Festival and opens across the country on the 26th of June.
Here is a world exclusive look at the film’s poster.
The Battle of the Sexes tells the story of the famous 1973 tennis match between the Wimbledon’s womens champion Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. While the game stayed the same once the match was over change would be made on and off the court. Riggs had made some inflammatory comments, to the effect that he (now retired, and 55 years of age) could beat any women in the world at tennis, and up stepped Billie Jean King to dispute his claims.
James Erskine and Victoria Gregory’s film was announced in the 2013 programme for the Edinburgh Film Festival and opens across the country on the 26th of June.
Here is a world exclusive look at the film’s poster.
- 5/30/2013
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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