Timothée Chalamet revealed that he trained with a table tennis coach for six years to prepare for his role in the upcoming film, “Marty Supreme.” In an interview with “Good Morning America,” the 29-year-old actor discussed his character, Marty Mauser, a young man driven to become a champion table tennis player. Chalamet shared how he resonates with the ambitions and challenges of his character, emphasizing the importance of self-belief in pursuing dreams.
Chalamet explained to co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, “He has a huge dream. And 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.” He added, “No” is not in his vocabulary. “He compromises with no one, including himself.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Chalamet noted, “A significant part of who I was in my early 20s or late teens was deeply motivated to have an acting career.” He emphasized that the film conveys a powerful message: pursuing a dream can be communal and beneficial for others, not just oneself.
Chalamet highlighted a pivotal moment in the film where Gwyneth Paltrow’s character, Kay Stone, challenges Marty, asking, “What do you plan to do if this little dream of yours doesn’t work out?” He acknowledged that his own family encouraged him to have backup plans early in his career. “At 29 years old, I can look back and go, ‘That was actually great advice,'” he said, reflecting on the balance between ambition and practicality.
Chalamet’s comments resonate with many aspiring artists who often face uncertainty. “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 stated. He hopes “Marty Supreme” serves as an encouragement for people of all ages to dream big.
In the film, Chalamet is joined by Kevin O’Leary, best known as a judge on “Shark Tank,” in his first acting role. Chalamet praised O’Leary’s performance, stating, “He was fantastic in the movie.” He noted O’Leary’s confidence and ease in front of the camera, qualities that can sometimes elude non-actors. “The biggest thing that can read as insincere is a level of tension or anxiety,” Chalamet explained. “Kevin had none of that. I mean, Kevin was all swagger.”
In addition to his co-stars, Chalamet expressed admiration for Paltrow, stating that working with her made him feel “naive.” He described acting alongside her as a revelation of her talent, saying, “I would act opposite her and I’d go, ‘Wow. She’s really incredible.'”
To prepare for his role, Chalamet mentioned that he played table tennis casually before dedicating himself to intense training. “I worked for six years with a ping-pong coach,” he shared, showcasing his commitment to authenticity in the film.
As part of a promotional campaign for “Marty Supreme,” Chalamet has embarked on a unique press tour, featuring an orange ping-pong ball blimp and limited-edition merchandise. When discussing the importance of innovative marketing, he said, “The principal part is … a feeling of authorship.”
Chalamet views success for the film through a broader lens, noting, “I want the movie to succeed. I want everything to win.” He expressed confidence about the film’s reception, stating, “By next summer, I’m confident I know what it’s gonna be.”
The film, which is set to premiere on December 8, 2025, promises to offer an inspiring narrative about ambition, dreams, and the pursuit of excellence, underlining Chalamet’s dedication and passion for his craft.
