Timothée Chalamet transforms into table tennis legend Marty Reisman in Marty Supreme, A24’s gritty sports drama from Josh Safdie. See the trailer, cast, release date, and why this could be Chalamet’s most unexpected role yet.
Timothée Chalamet has earned his stripes playing soulful and complex characters in A24 films, such as Call Me by Your Name, Dune, and Beautiful Boy. But the Oscar-nominated actor is switching genres — the sports drama. Mart Supreme is Chalamet’s take on legendary table-tennis champion Marty Reisman, and he is providing one of the most perplexing yet engaging performances to date in his career.
Slated for a Christmas Day, 2025 release and produced by indie powerhouse A24, Marty Supreme is directed by Josh Safdie, best known for his kinetic and immersive energy and chaotic storytelling (see Uncut Gems and Good Time). The film combines aspects of sports, drama, and adventure, and it is unlike any sports biopic you have ever seen.
Who Was Marty Reisman?
Before we get to the film details, it might be a good idea to know who Marty Reisman really was. Reisman was born in 1930 and was more than just a table tennis legendary champion; he was a showman, a hustler, and a swanky character in the history of the sport. He epitomized flashiness, skill, and witty repartee to crowds, while being a major championship winner and cultural personality in New York’s (really edgy) underground table tennis scene.
Reisman lived a life that was made for cinema:
Two-time US Men’s Singles Champion (1958, 1960)
Known as “The Needle” for his sharp trash talking and accurate shooting;
played exhibition matches with celebrities, and hustled big money games around the world;
wrote books, including The Money Player, about his life experiences.
Chalamet’s Transformation to Marty Supreme.
One of the instantly buzz-worthy elements of the film is Chalamet’s physical and stylistic transformation. In the trailer that was released in August, behind-the-scenes footage showed the actor and fans picked up on:
Slick-back hairstyle and retro suits to imitate Reisman’s distinct fashion.
Precision in his techniques — it’s reported that he trained for over six months with professional table tennis players.
A charisma-driven performance that combines swagger and vulnerability to create a believable character.
The Cast of Stars
While Chalamet will be the star of the show, Marty Supreme has an interesting supporting cast:
Tyler, the Creator — making a significant role debut in a feature film as Reisman’s friend and rival on the New York table tennis circuit.
Gwyneth Paltrow appears as a rich patron of video art who gets caught up in the stakes of Reisman’s games.
Cameos from sports stars and cultural icons in New York.
It’s a great example of how A24 likes to mix marquee talent with unique storytelling.
Why Marty Supreme Could Change Everything for Sports Drama
These sports biopics usually follow a formula. There’s an underdog, struggles and obstacles to overcome, and ultimately triumph/overcoming the odds. Marty Supreme is different.
Here’s why it’s different:
Unusual sport – There have been few films that center around table tennis, especially during awards season.
The Safdie Brothers’ intensity – Expect a frantic, anxiety inducing pace, akin to Uncut Gems, transposed into the world of table tennis hustling.
Cultural relevancy – The filmmakers are telling more than a series of matches. This film offers audiences a look into New York’s underground sports scene, the 1960s culture, and how the two blur in the context of “sport” and “performance.”
A24’s track record – From The Whale to Everything Everywhere All at Once, A24 have shown the ability to make unexpected stories into cinematic triumphs.
Early Reactions & Trailer Highlights
The trailer released in August 2025 caused a stir in film communities and social media. Notable moments include:
Chalamet in a trendy NYC club, spinning the paddle before entering a match fraught with significance
Scenes in slow-motion mixed with frenetic cuts of dialogue during tense rallies
Tyler, the Creator, giving a monologue that was surprisingly heartfelt about “ambition”
The scene in which Gwyneth Paltrow is, unmistakably, watching from a balcony while sipping champagne, as the audience erupts in a crescendo.
Production notes & Behind-the-Scenes Information
Some fun facts about making Marty Supreme:
Training: Chalamet trained five days a week with former US table tennis champions in order to emulate Reisman’s original style.
Real Locations: They filmed in actual New York club locations where Reisman used to play.
Electronics/Costumes: The producers found vintage table tennis stuff from collectors to be period accurate for the 1960s style.
Improvisation: Safdie encouraged improvisational dialogue in the match scenes to capture the hustle from real life.
Release Date & Awards Potential
Date: December 25, 2025 (CHRISTMAS)
Distributor: A24
Awards Potential: With the release date established, it’s obvious A24 is thinking about the Oscars. If the film is anywhere near as good as it should be, I see it getting nominations for best actor, director, and potentially cinematography.
Thoughts
Marty Supreme is not just another sports biopic; it’s shaping into a stylish, fast-paced, and human portrayal about a man who elevated table tennis into an art form. With Timothée Chalamet in the performance of a lifetime, Josh Safdie’s fast-paced camera style charging the film, and A24’s impeccable polish, it’s going to be one of the hottest movies of 2025.
FAQs
1. Who is Marty Reisman?
Marty Reisman was a legendary American table tennis champion, showman, and hustler. Reisman was known for his flashy style of play and larger-than-life personality.
2. Is Marty Supreme real?
Yes, the film is based on the real-life career and story of Marty Reisman. We’ll blend fact with a fair amount of made-up stuff as the movie unfolds.
3. Who is the lead in Marty Supreme?
Timothée Chalamet stars in the role of Marty Reisman. For the part, he underwent a tremendous physical and stylistic transformation.
4. When will Marty Supreme be released?
The film is set for release in US cinemas on December 25, 2025.
5. Who directed “Marty Supreme”?
It is directed by Josh Safdie, who is best known for making Uncut Gems and the movie called Good Time.
6. Will it be on streaming?
While there is no streaming release date yet, A24 regularly partners with streaming services like Showtime and Max after the theatrical release.