‘Battle of the Sexes’ Filmmakers on Why Billie Jean King-Bobby Riggs Showdown Is Still Relevant (Video)

Directors Jonathan Drayton and Valerie Faris had no fears about re-creating a 44-year-old stunt tennis match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and unapologetic chauvinist Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell).

“What’s really interesting about a story that takes place in 1973 is that all those issues have suddenly bubbled up again: equal pay, sexism, gender equality, sexual equality — all these things are live debates again,” screenwriter Simon Beaufoy told TheWrap’s Steve Pond in a video interview at the Toronto Film Festival.

While much has changed — particularly in the acceptance of gay rights — many other issues address in the film have not.