Reimagining the Ending of Challengers: What Comes Next for Art, Patrick, and Tashi

Photo: MGM /Courtesy Everett Collection/©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection

The Ending of Challengers: A Perfect Cinematic Masterpiece

The ending of Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is an extraordinary display of over-the-top stylistic choices and an emotional catharsis for all the characters. It encompasses everything—from Art Donaldson and Patrick Zweig hashing things out on the court, to Tashi Duncan finally being able to enjoy a captivating game of tennis. The impeccable volley, the breathtaking score, the ball POV shots, the slow motion, and the intimate embrace all contribute to the ending’s perfection.

A Visionary Directorial Alternative

However, let’s delve into our own interpretations for what unfolds after the credits roll, and imagine alternative scenarios for our beloved hypercompetitive trio. Here are some personal theories about the future of Art, Patrick, and Tashi:

1. Art’s Liberation

Contrary to the depicted final shot where Art’s embrace over Patrick is portrayed, in truth, Art jumps super-high and floats away—a symbol of newfound freedom, reminiscent of the ending scene in The Whale. This signifies his liberation from being Tashi’s imperfect vessel for unfulfilled tennis dreams. – Rebecca Alter

2. Resignation and Eventually Admitting Feelings

As Art’s competitive fire fades, he decides to retire and assumes a television commentator role, envisaged by many. He seizes the opportunity to relish indulgences like savoring hamburgers. Meanwhile, Patrick, acknowledging his hidden love for Art, obtains a job through his affluent, ostensibly non-existent parents. This unorthodox dynamic might render them a suitable subtle love triangle for Tashi. Although their feelings often remain unaddressed, their dysfunctional tendencies would exacerbate as they forge ahead as a thruple. – Alison Wilmore

3. Opening a Churro Truck on Coney Island

Devoting their post-tennis life to new adventures, Art and Patrick embark on a joint venture of opening a churro truck on the iconic Coney Island. Anusha Praturu

4. Fulfilling a Unique Tennis Fantasy

Finally, Patrick achieves his long-held aspiration of indulging in racquet-inflicted passion. – Nate Jones

5. Confronting Struggles Amidst a Global Pandemic

As Art decides to retire after a disappointing defeat at the 2019 U.S. Open, Patrick offers to become his coach, putting an additional strain on Tashi and Art’s marriage. The eruption of COVID-19 lockdowns compels Tashi, Patrick, and Art to quarantine together, with their tennis training disrupted. In a plot twist, Patrick and Tashi triumphantly make their first public appearance as a couple at the 2020 U.S. Open. – Author

Looking Ahead: Tashi’s Transforming Relationships

By the movie’s end, Tashi realizes that neither Art nor Patrick can provide the controlled experience she seeks in a tennis partner. She refocuses her attention on molding her Spider-Verse–loving daughter into a pliable, future tennis prodigy. Tashi’s shift toward becoming a determined, cutthroat stage mother, intent on fulfilling her own unfulfilled potential through her daughter, ushers in a new phase in her life. – Tom Smyth

A Twist of Destiny: An Unconventional Throuple

Following their victorious game, Tashi, Patrick, and Art rekindle their intimate connection where they left off thirteen years ago, heading to a sauna for a post-game celebration. Their bond strengthens, and soon they make their debut as a polyamorous trio at the highly anticipated Met Gala. – Author

A Legacy and a New Beginning

At Tashi’s mom’s future wedding, she watches the red carpet proceedings from a hotel room, grinning. Suddenly, a mischievous smirk flickers on her face, amplifying the intrigue. She rises, reaches for the phone, and dials Maury’s number. Fade to black. TASHI WILL RETURN. – Dee Lockett

An Unforgettable Flashback

As the movie draws to a close, a final flashback brings us to the fateful night when their paths first intersect. Art, Patrick, and Tashi gather together, and their voices meld into a harmonious chorus as they sing “Our Time” from Merrily We Roll Along. – Rebecca Alter, once again

Fateful Paths Toward Tragedy

Art’s ill-timed jump into Patrick’s arms results in a spinal injury that irreversibly alters Patrick’s life. Consumed by guilt, Art devotes himself relentlessly to tennis until his body succumbs to the court’s pressures two years later. As Patrick and Tashi become incapable of playing tennis, they remain entwined in a saddening, loveless existence. – Julie Kosin

An Empire and a Complex Legacy

Patrick and Art forge a newfound bond and embark on a jewelry business, specializing in earrings for individuals with unusually large ears. Tashi assumes the CEO position, and together, the three of them raise two children. As the earring business thrives and transforms into a media empire, the three children vie for the CEO role, longing to make their late mother proud. The film’s culmination reveals lingering complications, with Tashi’s death on the same day as Lily’s wedding, adding further ambiguity to the company’s fate. – Jason P. Frank

Unveiling Tashi’s True Tendencies

Upon their return to the hotel to commemorate their monumental game, Tashi skillfully persuades Art and Patrick to explore their burgeoning desire. However, Art’s difficulties lead to a tumultuous ending, resulting in Tashi’s passionate outburst – the iconic “COME ON!” The revelation exposes Tashi’s voyeuristic and dominating inclinations, depicting her true love for spectating excellent tennis. – Zach Schiffman

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