Timothée Chalamet’s Startling Encounter on Marty Supreme Set

Filming a sports drama is rarely straightforward, but for Timothée Chalamet, the experience on Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme took an unexpectedly sharp turn. The actor, known for his intensity on screen, found himself in a rather precarious spot—not with a director or a studio executive, but with someone far less expected: a background performer.

During a recent conversation, Chalamet recounted a particularly fraught moment on set. He’d been working through a motel scene, attempting to provoke a reaction from a non-professional actor. The idea was to inject a bit of real tension into the sequence, but things weren’t quite going to plan. Chalamet explained,

And I’m really getting in the guy’s face, and I’m really trying to get him angry with me. I was saying to Josh [Safdie], he’s not getting angry with me, he’s not getting angry with me.

After another take, the situation escalated. The background actor, who had a rather colourful past, turned to Chalamet and delivered a line that would unsettle most.

I did another take, and then the guy said, ‘I was just in jail for 30 years. You really don’t want to f–k with me. You don’t want to see me angry’.

Chalamet, caught off guard, could only laugh nervously and ask Safdie, “Holy s–t, who do you have me opposite, man?” Despite the tension, these non-professional cast members became a vital part of the film’s fabric.

Unconventional Casting Choices

Safdie’s approach to casting didn’t stop at hiring unpredictable background talent. He was adamant about including Ted Williams, a man once dubbed ‘The Man With the Golden Voice’. Williams, a former radio presenter whose life had taken a sharp downturn due to addiction, became a viral sensation in 2011 when a video of him, homeless and demonstrating his remarkable vocal talent, swept the internet.

Safdie, recalling that viral moment, insisted Williams be brought in for a small part, despite the logistical headaches.

We need to get Ted Williams. We have to get him…[but] to bring somebody [from] out of state, with union rules and stuff like that—it’s very expensive. So that was the first time they were like, ‘Can we find someone local?’ And I said, ‘It has to be Ted Williams.’

The director’s persistence paid off, adding another layer of authenticity to the film’s world.

Chalamet’s Oscar Prospects

Chalamet’s career has been marked by near-misses and critical acclaim. He first captured international attention in 2017, and by the following year, he’d already been nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Call Me By Your Name. The statuette, however, eluded him.

Fast forward to 2025, and Chalamet’s name was again in the Oscar conversation, this time for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Yet, the award slipped through his fingers once more, with Adrien Brody taking home the prize for The Brutalist.

Stiff Competition and High Hopes

The 2026 awards season has proven to be fiercely competitive. Chalamet finds himself up against the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, and Michael B. Jordan, all vying for the top acting honour. With Marty Supreme, though, there’s a sense that the odds might finally tip in his favour. The film, directed by Safdie and featuring a cast including Gwyneth Paltrow and Odessa A’zion, has already made waves with critics and audiences alike, boasting an impressive box office run and strong ratings.

As the saying goes, perhaps the third time really is the charm.

Key Facts About: Marty Supreme
Directed By: Josh Safdie
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion
Release Date: 25 December 2025
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Worldwide Box Office: $89M (Ongoing)
Production House: Central Pictures
Where to Watch: Cinema