Josh O’Connor has revealed that he found it ‘very strange’ filming his racy sex scene with co-star Zendaya for their tennis film Challengers.
The Crown star, 34, sent fans into a frenzy back in April when he appeared in the steamy film, but in a new interview for Vanity Fair’s Hollywood issue, described the jaw-dropping moment as ‘very choreographed and rehearsed.’
Joining his Zendaya in the star-studded cover shoot, Josh shared his experience filming sex scenes, in response to Paul Mescal’s admission that he’s found it easier to film sex scenes with another man.
The star played the ex-boyfriend of Zendaya’s character, who goes head-to-head with his former best pal at the ATP Challenger Tour.
He explained: ‘A sex scene is a very strange thing. It’s the least sexy thing in the world. You can ask Mike Faist and Zendaya about that.
Josh O’Connor has revealed that he found it ‘very strange’ filming his racy sex scene with co-star Zendaya for their film Challengers, as he graced the cover of Vanity Fair’s Hollywood issue
‘It might look sexy onscreen, but in reality, it’s the same as a fight sequence, a bit of action or stunt, or a dance. It’s a very choreographed, rehearsed thing, and you’re surrounded in a room full of people—someone’s holding a boom microphone and camera and lights.
‘I see what [Paul] means. On the other hand, being vulnerable and intimate with another actor is more revealing, and scarier, because you’re often having to reach for something inside you that sometimes is blocked away or hidden, whatever it is, and that can be intimidating. ‘
In Challengers, Zendaya’s character – an aspiring tennis star – gives up her career after suffering a major injury.
Instead, she focuses on coaching her colleague Art, played by Mike Faist, whom she falls in love with and marries.
But Tashi finds her feelings dangerously divided after Art is enrolled on the Challenger Tour, where he faces off against Tashi’s ex-boyfriend Patrick, played by Josh O’Connor.
The sizzling feature comes from Suspiria and Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino and boasts several steamy scenes.
Photographed by Gordon Von Steiner and styled by George Cortina, Vanity Fair’s newest Hollywood issue sees the biggest stars of 2025 come together for the annual shoot, three months early.
A dozen of the biggest names in the industry spent two days in September shooting the 31st cover at Milk Studios in Los Angeles.
The Crown star sent fans into a frenzy back in April when he appeared in the steamy film, but has now shared that in reality the moment was ‘very choreographed and rehearsed’
The biggest stars of 2025 came together for Vanity Fair’s Hollywood issue (L-R Glen Powell, Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldana, Dev Patel, Sydney Sweeney, Josh O’Connor, Danielle Deadwyler, Jonathan Bailey , Lisa, Ncuti Gatwa and Bill Skarsgard)
Zendaya, Nicole Kidman and Sydney Sweeney led the Hollywood royalty and showed off their incredible style in designer outfits.
They joined Glen Powell, who flew in from a set after only one hour’s sleep because starring on the front cover has ‘been on his bucket list’, before flying out again.
Zoe Saldana, meanwhile, juggled a house renovation and the promo tour of her film Emilia Perez as she joined Dev Patel, Josh O’Connor, Danielle Deadwyler, Jonathan Bailey, Lisa, Ncuti Gatwa and Bill Skarsgard for the photoshoot.
The huge production involved 24 trunks, 50 boxes, 30 rails of clothing, 200 pairs of shoes and four security guards for the expensive jewellery.
Vanity Fair’s Hollywood issue is on newsstands November 26.
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