While some fans thought the Spidey reference could be a nod to Zendaya playing MJ in the Marvel films (though she doesn't voice any character in the Spider-Verse movies), or even a hint at her romance with her MCU co-star Holland, there's a much more practical explanation as to why Guadagnino chose to mention the animated movie.

Zendaya has opened up about how a nod to one of her most famous works managed to make its way into her new film Challengers. As well as playing tennis-prodigy-turned-coach Tashi Duncan in the hit sports drama, the Euphoria star also served as one of its producers.

Challengers director Luca Guadagnino has revealed why his Zendaya-led film includes a nod to Spider-Man – and it’s nothing to do with the actor’s connection to the franchise

Luca Guadagnino, director of Challengers, inadvertently linked his latest film to the Spider-Man universe by having Zendaya be that connection.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Challengers.  If you are a die-hard fan of Zendaya and are gripped by her acting skills, you would have definitely appreciated her role in the MCU. Starring in three Spider-Man movies alongside Tom Holland,

Into the Spider-Verse in Luca Guadagnino's Challengers, but not for the reason one might expect. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Guadagnino addressed the origin of that Marvel mention, in which a heated conversation between protagonists Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) and Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) is broken up by their daughter's request to watch Spider-Verse together.