Timothée Chalamet stars in ‘Marty Supreme’, a film that blends sports and cinema, inspired by real-life ping-pong champion Marty Reisman.
‘Marty Supreme’: Everything You Need to Know About Timothée Chalamet’s Ping-Pong Wizardry
Here’s a twist — Timothée Chalamet is your next ping-pong wizard. The Oscar-nominated actor is set to make waves in the awards circuit as the titular Marty Supreme, a ’50s-era sports film inspired by real-life table tennis champion Marty Reisman. Interestingly, this is one of two sports-themed award contenders from A24 this fall, both directed by a Safdie brother. Josh Safdie directs Marty Supreme, while Benny Safdie brings us The Smashing Machine, featuring Dwayne Johnson as UFC fighter Mark Kerr.
While The Smashing Machine will be showcased at film festivals like Venice and Toronto, audiences will have to wait until December 25 to see Chalamet in action. The recently released trailer offers a vibrant glimpse into the movie’s style and tone. Here’s everything you need to know about the first ping pong-related Best Picture contender since Forrest Gump.
What is Marty Supreme About?
Although not a strict biopic, Marty Supreme follows the broad strokes of Reisman’s life. An early adopter of table tennis at a time when the sport was gaining popularity everywhere but in the U.S., the New York-born athlete won over 20 major titles throughout his career, including multiple medals at the World Table Tennis Championships. He also showcased his athletic prowess in a comedic role as an opening act for the Harlem Globetrotters — a highlight teased in the trailer.
However, it’s important to note that Chalamet plays Marty Mauser, not Marty Reisman. Therefore, Marty Supreme deviates from historical accuracy in several ways, starting with Chalamet’s pursuit of a glamorous movie star, portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow. In an early trailer scene, he cold-calls Paltrow to pitch himself as someone she should get to know, saying, “I’m something of a performer, too,” and suggesting she check out the latest issue of the Daily Mail.
When he’s not wooing Hollywood icons, Marty is on a mission to bring ping pong to the masses. Yet, as another Marvel favorite puts it, great responsibility comes with great sacrifice. Marty’s globetrotting adventures strain his relationship with another love interest, played by Odessa A’zion. Still, he remains undeterred. “What do you plan to do if this whole dream of yours doesn’t work out?” Paltrow asks at one point. “That doesn’t even enter my consciousness,” Marty replies.
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Who Else is in It?
In addition to Chalamet, Paltrow, and A’zion, the cast features Kevin O’Leary as Marty’s apparent foil and Fran Drescher as his mother, marking one of The Nanny star’s most significant film roles in years. She will also appear in Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Renowned New York filmmaker Abel Ferrera also joins the cast in an unspecified role, alongside comedian and magician Penn Jillette, actress-comedian Sandra Bernhard, and legendary wire walker Philippe Petit.
When Can I See It?
General audiences can include Marty Supreme in their Christmas holiday plans — a release strategy that proved successful for Chalamet’s Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, last year. Although the film won’t be featured at major festivals, critics and awards voters will have seen it in time for their December deadlines. While they may be solo acts for now, both Safdie brothers are likely to achieve smashing successes this awards season.
