The Secret A-List Cameo in ‘Marty Supreme’ That Everyone Missed
While the world has been buzzing about Timothée Chalamet’s electric performance in the new ping-pong drama Marty Supreme, director Josh Safdie recently dropped a bombshell that has fans scrambling to rewatch the film. It turns out that Chalamet isn’t the only global superstar in the movie. During a recent discussion at the BFI Southbank in London, Safdie revealed that his frequent collaborator and Hollywood heavyweight, Robert Pattinson, has a secret role in the film that went almost entirely undetected.
The role in question is so subtle that even the most die-hard fans of the Twilight and The Batman star likely missed it on their first viewing. Pattinson does not appear on screen in the flesh. Instead, he lends his voice to a specific character during a crucial sequence early in the movie. According to Safdie, the voice of the British umpire and commentator during the British Open semifinals is none other than Pattinson himself.
Safdie explained that the cameo came about through a mixture of necessity and friendship. The scene required an authentic British voice to narrate the high-stakes match between Chalamet’s character, Marty Mauser, and the Hungarian champion Bela Kletzki. In a moment of deadpan humor, the director told the London audience, “I don’t know any British people,” which led him to call upon Pattinson. The actor, who previously starred in the Safdie brothers’ critically acclaimed crime thriller Good Time, was more than happy to step into the recording booth.
The revelation adds a delightful layer of “Easter egg” hunting for audiences. It serves as a fun, low-key reunion for the actor and director who helped redefine gritty independent cinema a few years ago. While Pattinson is known for disappearing into roles with heavy prosthetics or intense method acting, this vocal cameo proves he is just as capable of slipping into a project unnoticed, leaving his mark in the most unexpected way.
The specific scene features high-octane table tennis action, with the umpire’s voice cutting through the tension of the match. Now that the secret is out, clips of the scene are circulating online, with fans claiming they can suddenly hear the distinctive cadence of the British actor. It is a testament to the chaotic, immersive sound design typical of a Safdie film that such a recognizable voice could blend so seamlessly into the background noise of the period setting.
This “secret collaboration” is also a fascinating prelude to what is coming next for both actors. Robert Pattinson and Timothée Chalamet are set to share the screen in a much more visible capacity in the near future. Both actors are attached to Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated Dune: Part Three, where their characters are expected to have significant interactions. This small voice cameo in Marty Supreme serves as a quiet passing of the torch—or perhaps just a friendly nod—between two of the most in-demand leading men of their generation.
For those unfamiliar with the film, Marty Supreme is Josh Safdie’s latest directorial effort, marking his first solo feature following his split from directing partner and brother, Benny Safdie. Produced by A24, the film is a fictionalized original story inspired by the life of table tennis legend Marty Reisman. It stars Timothée Chalamet as Marty, a hustler who navigates the underground world of professional ping-pong in the 1950s.
The movie has been praised for its kinetic energy, period-accurate yet stylized aesthetic, and a supporting cast that is as eclectic as it is talented. Alongside Chalamet, the film features Gwyneth Paltrow in her first major movie role in years, rapper and producer Tyler, the Creator, and comedic icon Fran Drescher. The story follows Marty’s rise from a street-level gambler to a legitimate champion, all while battling the eccentric personalities that populate the sport.
As for Robert Pattinson, the actor has been keeping himself incredibly busy with a diverse slate of projects. After reinventing himself as a darling of arthouse cinema with films like The Lighthouse and High Life, he successfully transitioned back to blockbusters with Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and Matt Reeves’ The Batman. He is currently preparing for the release of Mickey 17, a sci-fi film directed by Oscar-winner Bong Joon Ho, which promises to be another mind-bending addition to his filmography.
Timothée Chalamet, meanwhile, continues his reign as Hollywood’s golden boy. Following the massive commercial success of Wonka and Dune: Part Two, he is currently generating Oscar buzz for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in the upcoming biopic A Complete Unknown. His commitment to the role of Marty in Marty Supreme involved months of intensive table tennis training, further cementing his reputation as an actor willing to go the extra mile for physical transformation.
The synergy between these actors and directors highlights a new era of Hollywood filmmaking where the lines between indie grit and blockbuster spectacle are increasingly blurred. Josh Safdie’s ability to pull in a favor from a star as big as Pattinson for a mere voiceover speaks to the loyalty and creative respect within this circle of artists. It is these small, personal touches that often make movies feel like a labor of love rather than just a commercial product.
Now that the cat is out of the bag, a rewatch of Marty Supreme seems necessary. It is rare for a cameo to remain hidden in the age of internet spoilers, making this reveal all the more satisfying. Next time you are watching the British Open scene, close your eyes and listen closely—you might just hear the Batman calling the score.
Did you notice the familiar voice during the umpire scenes, or were you too focused on the ping-pong action? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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