Timothée Chalamet shared insights into his dedicated preparation for the role of Marty Mauser in the upcoming film “Marty Supreme.” During an interview with “Good Morning America,” the 29-year-old actor revealed that he spent six years training with a table tennis coach to authentically portray a young man aspiring to become a champion in the sport. The film, produced by A24, explores themes of ambition and self-belief, resonating deeply with Chalamet’s personal experiences.
In a conversation with co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, Chalamet expressed how he connects with the character’s relentless pursuit of dreams. “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 stated. Chalamet emphasized the dual nature of self-belief, noting that while it fosters motivation, it can also lead to a degree of selfishness. “No is not in his vocabulary,” he added, highlighting the character’s uncompromising nature.
Chalamet reflected on how much of himself he sees in Marty, particularly drawing from his own motivations in his early twenties. “A significant part of who I was in my early 20s or late teens was deeply motivated to have an acting career,” he explained. He believes that the film represents the idea that pursuing one’s dreams can be both personal and communal.
In a pivotal scene, Chalamet’s character faces a crucial question from Gwyneth Paltrow’s character, Kay Stone, a retired actress and socialite: “What do you plan to do if this little dream of yours doesn’t work out?” Chalamet shared that, in real life, his family encouraged him to consider backup plans during his initial career struggles. “At 29 years old, I can look back and go, ‘That was actually great advice,'” he admitted, but acknowledged that he was focused solely on his aspirations at that time.
“I hope this movie, you know, it sounds cheesy, but can serve as that engine for… everyone, and that it is OK to dream big,” he remarked. The film’s premiere took place on December 8, 2025, in Beverly Hills, California, and has generated significant buzz, particularly with Chalamet’s enthusiastic promotion efforts.
Chalamet also praised Kevin O’Leary, known for his role as a judge on “Shark Tank,” who made his acting debut in “Marty Supreme.” “He was fantastic in the movie,” Chalamet noted. He admired O’Leary’s confidence and ability to engage with the role without displaying the tension that can often hinder performances from non-actors.
On working alongside Paltrow, Chalamet expressed a sense of awe, stating that acting opposite her made him feel “naive,” as if he were discovering her talent anew. “Wow. She’s really incredible,” he said, reflecting on the impact of her performance.
In preparing for his role, Chalamet transitioned from casual table tennis player to dedicated athlete, committing significant time to training. He explained, “I worked for six years with a ping-pong coach for the film,” demonstrating his commitment to authenticity.
Chalamet is currently on an extensive press tour for “Marty Supreme,” employing innovative promotional strategies, including a whimsical orange ping-pong ball blimp and limited-edition merchandise. He shared his philosophy on the importance of innovative marketing, stating, “I can’t lie to you, the principal part is… a feeling of authorship.”
Ultimately, Chalamet has a clear vision of what success means for “Marty Supreme.” He expressed confidence in the film’s trajectory, saying, “by next summer… I’m confident I know what it’s gonna be.” This exciting journey highlights not just the film’s narrative but also Chalamet’s own growth and commitment to his craft.
