Timothée Chalamet has revealed he dedicated six years to training as a table tennis player for his role in the upcoming film Marty Supreme. During an interview with Good Morning America, Chalamet discussed his character, Marty Mauser, a young man fiercely pursuing his dream of becoming a champion at the sport. The film, produced by A24, is set to premiere on December 8, 2025, in Beverly Hills, California.
In the interview with co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, Chalamet described how he relates to Marty’s relentless ambition. He emphasized that pursuing a significant dream often requires self-reliance, stating, “When you have a big dream in life, and you don’t really have anyone supporting you when you’re young, you’re your best supporter.” Chalamet elaborated on the dual nature of ambition, acknowledging that it brings both positive qualities like self-belief and negative traits that can border on selfishness.
The actor highlighted a pivotal moment in the film when Marty’s character is questioned by Kay Stone, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. The line, “What do you plan to do if this little dream of yours doesn’t work out?” resonated deeply with Chalamet. He reflected on his own journey, noting that while his parents encouraged him to have backup plans, he felt strongly that focusing solely on his acting career was essential. “If all my energy’s not going towards a plan A, I’m gonna end up doing something I don’t wanna do in life,” he said.
Chalamet also praised Kevin O’Leary, renowned businessman and judge from Shark Tank, who makes his film debut in Marty Supreme as Paltrow’s onscreen husband, Milton. The actor commended O’Leary for his confidence and performance, stating, “He was fantastic in the movie. Kevin had none of the tension or anxiety that can come from non-actors.”
As he prepared for the role, Chalamet practiced table tennis extensively, stating, “Prior to the movie, I played casually, but I worked for six years with a ping-pong coach.” His commitment to mastering the sport reflects the depth he seeks to bring to his characters.
Throughout the promotional tour for Marty Supreme, Chalamet has engaged audiences with innovative marketing strategies, including the use of a blimp shaped like an orange ping-pong ball and limited-edition merchandise. When asked about his approach to the film’s promotion, he expressed a desire for it to succeed, saying, “I want everything to win.”
Chalamet concluded by sharing his hopes for the film’s impact, stating, “I hope this movie can serve as an engine for everyone, that it is OK to dream big.” He seems confident that the film will resonate with audiences, saying, “By next summer, I feel confident to the degree that I know what it’s gonna be.”
As anticipation builds for Marty Supreme, Chalamet’s dedication to both his craft and the character of Marty Mauser shines through, promising a compelling story about ambition, passion, and the pursuit of dreams.
