Timothée Chalamet Discusses Dedication to Table Tennis in ‘Marty Supreme’

Timothée Chalamet revealed his intense dedication to the sport of table tennis during an interview with *Good Morning America*. The actor, known for his roles in critically acclaimed films, stars as Marty Mauser in the upcoming A24 film *Marty Supreme*. The film follows a young man’s journey to become a champion table tennis player, a role that resonates deeply with Chalamet’s own experiences and aspirations.

Chalamet, 29, shared insights about his character during the interview with co-anchor George Stephanopoulos. “He has a huge dream,” Chalamet explained, noting the significance of self-belief in pursuing ambitious goals. “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.” The actor emphasized that Marty’s character embodies a relentless pursuit of his passion, stating, “‘No’ is not in his vocabulary. He compromises with no one, including himself.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Chalamet acknowledged that aspects of Marty mirror his 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 noted. He believes that the film represents the idea that pursuing a singular dream can also contribute to communal aspirations, adding, “If you get your butt in the seat… the ride is worth it.”

In a poignant scene, Chalamet’s character faces a critical question from Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays Kay Stone, a retired actress and socialite. Paltrow’s character asks, “What do you plan to do if this little dream of yours doesn’t work out?” Chalamet reflected on this moment, admitting that early in his career, his family encouraged him to have backup plans. “At 29 years old, I can look back and go, ‘That was actually great advice,'” he said. Nonetheless, he felt strongly that focusing solely on his primary ambition was essential to avoid a life he did not want.

Chalamet hopes that *Marty Supreme* inspires viewers to embrace their dreams, stating, “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.”

The film marks Chalamet’s first significant role involving table tennis, a sport he had previously played casually. For *Marty Supreme*, he dedicated six years to training with a professional coach, showcasing his commitment to authentically portraying a champion athlete.

As part of an extensive promotional tour, Chalamet has engaged in various creative marketing initiatives, including a unique blimp shaped like an orange ping-pong ball and limited-edition merchandise. When asked about his unconventional promotional strategies, he expressed a deep sense of ownership over the project. “I look at everything these days in terms of perspective and authorship,” he said, adding, “But the bigger, more important thing is I want the movie to succeed. I want everything to win.”

Chalamet’s confidence in the film’s future success is evident. “I feel confident to the degree that by next summer… I’m confident I know what it’s gonna be,” he remarked.

In addition to Chalamet’s performance, the film features appearances from notable figures, including businessman and *Shark Tank* judge Kevin O’Leary, who makes his acting debut as Milton, Paltrow’s character’s husband. Chalamet praised O’Leary’s natural confidence in front of the camera, which he felt contributed positively to the film’s dynamic.

As viewers eagerly anticipate *Marty Supreme*, Chalamet’s journey from aspiring actor to a leading man in Hollywood continues to captivate audiences, embodying the very spirit of determination and passion that his character represents.