Josh Safdie Nearly Ended 'Marty Supreme' With a Vampire Twist

Josh Safdie, the creative force behind the sports drama Marty Supreme starring Timothée Chalamet, has shared a rather unexpected revelation about the film’s original conclusion. While audiences now know the story for its contemplative final sequence, Safdie’s initial vision was, to put it mildly, a touch more outlandish.

During a recent appearance on the A24 Podcast, Safdie discussed the film with fellow director Sean Baker. The conversation took a turn when the subject of casting Kevin O’Leary—better known to some as Mr. Wonderful—came up. O’Leary, a real-life business mogul, steps into the shoes of Milton Rockwell, a cutthroat executive and the film’s principal antagonist. His portrayal is a far cry from his television persona on Shark Tank, and in one memorable exchange, Rockwell tells Marty, “I was born in 1601. I’m a vampire. I’ve been around forever.” The line, while not meant to be taken at face value, hints at the supernatural direction Safdie once considered.

Behind the Scenes: A Supernatural Detour

Safdie’s original plan for the finale was nothing short of bizarre. As he recounted, the film was to end with Rockwell ambushing Marty during a concert with his granddaughter. The director described the moment in vivid detail:

“You’re on his eyes, we built the prosthetic for Timmy and everything, and Mr. Wonderful shows up behind him and takes a bite out of his neck, and that was the last thing in the movie. And he hasn’t aged. And I remember A24 and everyone was like, ‘This is a mistake, right?’”

The studio, perhaps wisely, decided to steer the film away from this horror-tinged climax, favouring a more grounded and emotionally resonant conclusion.

Despite the absence of fangs and immortality, the final cut of Marty Supreme still delivers a powerful ending. The story closes with Marty observing the cyclical nature of life, a sequence that has been widely praised for its subtlety and depth. Yet, the knowledge that a vampire attack was once on the table adds a peculiar layer to the film’s history.

Chalamet’s Performance and Industry Buzz

Timothée Chalamet’s turn as Marty Mauser has not gone unnoticed. Critics have lauded his performance as one of his finest, and the awards have followed suit. With a Critics Choice and a Golden Globe already in hand, Chalamet is tipped as a strong contender for the upcoming Academy Awards. The unpredictability of the Oscars is well known, and the article nods to the fact that even the most celebrated performances can be overlooked when the night arrives.

Odessa A’zion joins Chalamet in the cast as Rachel Mizler, while the film’s creative team includes writers Ronald Bronstein and Safdie himself. Chalamet also takes on a producing role, further cementing his involvement in the project. The film, running at 150 minutes, is set for release on 19 December 2025.

Unusual Casting Choices and Lasting Impressions

The decision to cast O’Leary as the villainous Rockwell raised a few eyebrows, given his reputation in the business world. His character’s penchant for psychological gamesmanship is encapsulated in the aforementioned “vampire” line, which, in the context of Safdie’s original script, takes on a whole new meaning. The prosthetics were reportedly ready, and the scene was storyboarded, but ultimately, the supernatural twist was left on the cutting room floor.

While the final product may not feature any literal creatures of the night, the story behind its making is a reminder that even the most grounded dramas can flirt with the fantastical—if only for a moment.