Who is Mike Faist, Zendaya’s co-star in new film Challengers alongside Josh O’Connor? The West Side Story actor learned tennis for his role, but what did Steven Spielberg say about his dancing?

Apr 27 , 2024

Mike Faist (pictured) is an up and coming actor who’s starring in new film Challengers alongside Zendaya and Josh O’Connor. Photo: @warnerbrosuk/Instagram

Faist stars in new film Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, alongside Zendaya and Josh O’Connor – and shared he had to learn tennis from scratch even though he played it in high school

The Tony Award-nominated actor debuted in London’s West End last year, playing in the stage adaptation of Brokeback Mountain – director Steven Spielberg even called him ‘one-of-a-kind’

From Spider-Man to Dune, everything that actress Zendaya touches turns to gold, be it on the film or fashion front. Following the release of the Dune sequel, Zendaya is once again on the road to promote her new film, Challengers, which releases this week.

Mike Faist, Zendaya and Josh O’Connor all star in new tennis film, Challengers. Photo: @mike_faiist/Instagram

Accompanying her on premieres and press junkets are her co-stars Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, whom she undoubtedly had a hand in casting since Challengers marks her debut as a producer.

While many know O’Connor for his role as Prince Charles in Netflix’s The Crown, Faist is a lesser-known name to many. The Ohio native, who remains low-key and is not on social media, got his start in theatre following a lifelong passion for the stage. Starring in high school productions and off-Broadway shows, he eventually landed on the bigger stages of Broadway and London’s West End. But his role in Steven Speilberg’s adaptation of the musical West Side Story made him known to a broader audience.

Mike Faist, Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Challengers’ director Luca Guadagnino in London, UK. Photo: @warnerbrosuk/Instagram

Here, we look at the 32-year-old’s journey as an actor and what led him to his latest role in Challengers.

Mike Faist has a background in theatre

Mike Faist has worked on Broadway in New York City as well as London’s West End. Photo: @mike_faiist/Instagram

Growing up, Faist always had a love for theatre. He starred in classic productions, including The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland in local theatres, per his IMDB. After a year at the American Musical and Drama Academy, he dropped out to audition for off-Broadway shows.

It turns out that the actor was a natural talent, and he managed to catch his big break in 2011 in the world premiere of the play Newsies. He then progressed to star on Broadway in 2016 in Dear Evan Hansen, which earned him a nomination at the Tony Award for best in a feature role in a musical, portraying the character Connor Murphy.

Mike Faist (left) plays Jack Twist in the stage adaptation of Brokeback Mountain. Photo: @mike_faiist/Instagram

The Ohio native made his debut across the Atlantic in London’s West End in 2023, starring as Jack Twist in the stage adaptation of Brokeback Mountain.