1. Timothée Chalamet’s 7-Year Obsession: Inside ‘Marty Supreme’ and His Surprise Tribute to Susan Boyle

2. Brainx Perspective

At Brainx, we believe true artistry lies in the unseen hours of preparation. Timothée Chalamet’s seven-year commitment to mastering table tennis for Marty Supreme redefines method acting for a new generation. This story highlights how relentless dedication, coupled with a genuine respect for diverse inspirations—from sports legends to reality stars—cements his status as a cinematic icon.

3. The News

Timothée Chalamet has once again proven that he is one of Hollywood’s most dedicated talents. In preparation for his latest film, Marty Supreme, the actor embarked on a seven-year journey to master the art of table tennis.

This revelation comes as Chalamet approaches his 30th birthday, reflecting on a decade that has seen him rise from an indie darling to a box-office titan.

A Seven-Year Training Camp

While many actors spend months preparing for a role, Chalamet’s timeline for Marty Supreme is unprecedented. He was first approached with the project in 2018, giving him a massive runway to perfect his skills.

• Downtime Utilization: Chalamet trained during every spare moment. This preparation period actually exceeds the five years he spent learning guitar for his Oscar-nominated role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown.
• Global Training Grounds: His dedication traveled with him.
  • On the set of Dune: A professional table was shipped to the desert to ensure he didn’t miss practice.
  • On the set of Wonka: Breaks were filled with what he calls “oompah-loompah ping-pong.”
  • At Cannes: He even trained at a cliffside Airbnb in the French Riviera during the film festival.
• The Goal: Authenticity. Chalamet insists that just as a musician must look real to guitar players, his table tennis must look believable to aficionados of the sport.

The Character: Marty Mauser

Marty Supreme is loosely inspired by the real-life table tennis icon Marty Reisman, but Chalamet plays a semi-fictionalized version named Marty Mauser. This character allows Chalamet to explore a more morally complex figure.

• A Flawed Genius: Mauser is not a clean-cut hero. The character engages in a heist and attempts to sabotage a marriage, driven by resentment.
• Youthful Indiscretion: Chalamet defends the character’s flaws with humor, noting that the film is largely about “being an idiot in your early twenties.”
• Award Recognition: The performance has already earned him nominations for Best Actor at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.

Championing the Cinema Experience

In an industry pivot toward streaming, Chalamet remains a staunch defender of the theatrical experience. Marty Supreme is set for a wide theatrical release, a move Chalamet supports passionately.

• The Actor’s Responsibility: He believes his job isn’t just to ask people to return to theaters, but to take the traditional cinematic form and bring it to the people in a way that feels fresh.
• Optimism for the Future: despite the dominance of platforms like Netflix, Chalamet believes cinemas will “survive and thrive,” citing Marty Supreme as the kind of original film that rewards the ticket price.

The “Greats” and Susan Boyle

To promote the film, Chalamet has been gifting customized jackets to people he considers “true greats,” such as Tom Brady and Frank Ocean. However, when asked about British icons deserving of this honor, he gave a surprising answer.

Along with Lewis Hamilton and the Beckhams, Chalamet named Susan Boyle.

• The Reason: He expressed genuine admiration for the singer, stating, “She dreamt bigger than all of us.”
• Viral Memory: He vividly recalls her 2009 Britain’s Got Talent performance as a defining moment of the early YouTube era that moved the world.

4. Why It Matters

This story matters because it sets a benchmark for artistic integrity in modern Hollywood. Chalamet’s refusal to cut corners—whether in his seven-year training regime or his support for theatrical releases—demonstrates a commitment to quality that benefits the audience. Furthermore, his recognition of diverse figures like Susan Boyle humanizes the concept of “greatness,” reminding us that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.