Timothée Chalamet Endured A Painful Paddle Scene For ‘Marty Supreme’

Timothée Chalamet is known for throwing himself entirely into his roles regardless of the genre or physical requirements. His latest project titled ‘Marty Supreme’ demanded a unique level of commitment from the acclaimed actor. The film delves into the high-stakes world of professional table tennis and is set against a vibrant mid-century backdrop. Chalamet recently revealed that the production process was just as intense as the sport itself. He shared a specific behind-the-scenes story involving a painful encounter with a prop during filming.

The movie is helmed by Josh Safdie who is celebrated for his anxiety-inducing directing style. Chalamet plays a fictionalized version of the ping pong legend Marty Reisman in this A24 production. During a conversation with Apple Music host Zane Lowe the actor described the chaotic energy on set. He explained that Safdie pushes his actors to find realism in every single take to capture authentic reactions. This pursuit of authenticity led to a memorable moment with his co-star Odessa A’zion.

A’zion plays a key role in the film and shared a particularly physical scene with the leading man. Chalamet recounted that the script called for her to hit him with a ping pong paddle. He humorously described the action as getting spanked quite hard in the middle of the scene. The strikes were real enough to leave a visible welt on his body after filming wrapped for the day. He admitted the experience was crazy but emphasized how much he loved the manic energy it created.

The cast for ‘Marty Supreme’ includes a fascinating array of talent that has intrigued moviegoers. Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow returned to acting specifically for this project after a long hiatus. The film also features the acting debut of the musician Tyler, the Creator. Chalamet noted that the mix of personalities on set contributed to the unique vibe of the movie. Everyone was fully committed to the eccentric and demanding vision that Josh Safdie laid out for them.

Playing a table tennis hustler required Chalamet to master the specific physicality and speed of the sport. He trained extensively to replicate the style and swagger of a 1950s champion. The film promises to be a departure from his recent sci-fi blockbusters like ‘Dune’ or family films like ‘Wonka’. It returns him to the gritty indie roots that launched his career years ago. The story of the paddle incident serves as a testament to the raw approach of the production.

Audiences are eagerly waiting to see if that specific take made it into the final edit of the film. The combination of Safdie’s direction and Chalamet’s dedication suggests a visceral cinematic experience. This anecdote about the paddle proves that the actors held nothing back during the shoot. The film is shaping up to be one of the most interesting releases on the upcoming slate.

Tell us if you are excited to see this intense ping pong drama in the comments.