‘Battle of the Sexes’ Filmmakers on Why Billie Jean King-Bobby Riggs Showdown Is Still Relevant (Video)
“Battle of the Sexes” 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.
Also Read: 'Battle of the Sexes' Review: In a Hard Year for Women, Emma Stone Provides Reason to Cheer
“I think tennis is the only professional sport where prize money … is the same for men and women,” Beaufoy said.
The Fox Searchlight film opens on Sept. 22.
Watch the video above.
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