The first trailer for Marty Supreme is here, showing Timothée Chalamet as a passionate ping pong player in the 1950s. Directed by Josh Safdie, the film is a mix of sports drama and comedy, with a star-studded cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Fran Drescher, and Tyler, the Creator. The movie is set to release on December 25, 2025, under A24.
Chalamet plays Marty Mauser, a young man determined to prove that ping pong is more than just a game. The trailer shows him training hard, falling in love, and dreaming big. The film is not a direct biopic but takes inspiration from real-life table tennis legend Marty Reisman.
A Star-Studded Cast and Unique Story
The trailer opens with Chalamet’s character standing on a hotel bed, calling a famous actress played by Gwyneth Paltrow. He tells her,
“I’ve never talked to an actual movie star. You know, I’m something of a performer, too.”
The film also features Kevin O’Leary (from Shark Tank) as a skeptical businessman who doubts Marty’s dreams. In one scene, Marty argues:
“I know it’s hard to believe, but this game fills stadiums overseas. It’s only a matter of time before I’m on a Wheaties box.”
Other big names in the cast include Fran Drescher as Marty’s mother, Tyler, the Creator in a supporting role, and filmmaker Abel Ferrara. The mix of actors and unexpected celebrities adds a fun twist to the movie.
Chalamet’s Dedication to the Role
To prepare for the role, Chalamet trained for months with professional ping pong coaches. Cinematographer Darius Khondji said,
“He wanted to be like a real professional ping pong player when he started shooting.”
Safdie even made Chalamet wear special glasses with contact lenses underneath to change his eye shape, which temporarily affected his vision. The actor also did many of his own stunts to make the ping pong scenes look real.
Josh Safdie’s First Solo Film in Years
This is Josh Safdie’s first solo movie since 2008’s The Pleasure of Being Robbed. He previously co-directed Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother Benny Safdie. This time, he’s working alone, and the film has a different style—less intense than his past work but still full of energy.
The movie was shot on 35mm film to give it a classic 1950s look. Some scenes were filmed in New York City, while others were shot in Japan. The budget is around $70 million, making it one of A24’s most expensive films ever.
What to Expect from the Plot
The story follows Marty Mauser as he tries to make ping pong a respected sport. Along the way, he falls for a movie star (Gwyneth Paltrow) and faces challenges from people who don’t take his dreams seriously. The trailer hints at romance, drama, and intense ping pong matches.
Unlike Safdie’s previous films, which were fast-paced and stressful, Marty Supreme seems more lighthearted but still ambitious. The trailer has a mix of humor and drama, with Chalamet’s character balancing love, fame, and his passion for ping pong.
Release Date and Festival Buzz
The film is skipping major festivals and heading straight to theaters on Christmas Day 2025. There were talks about a surprise screening at the New York Film Festival, but nothing is confirmed yet. A24 is keeping most details under wraps, letting the trailer tease just enough to build excitement.
With its unique story, big-name cast, and Safdie’s bold direction, Marty Supreme could be one of the most talked-about films of the year. Fans of Chalamet and Safdie’s previous work will likely enjoy this fresh take on a sports drama.
Credits: A24