Thescreescore – Timothée Chalamet, renowned for his immersive performances, pushed the boundaries of method acting during the production of Josh Safdie’s latest film, Marty Supreme. His unwavering dedication reportedly extended to a particularly intense scene involving co-star Kevin O’Leary, where Chalamet insisted on a level of physical authenticity that surprised even the seasoned actor and businessman.
In Marty Supreme, Chalamet embodies Marty Mauser, a determined professional ping-pong player known for his relentless spirit. The narrative sees Mauser desperately seeking funding from the powerful and wealthy Milton Rockwell, portrayed by O’Leary, for a high-stakes rematch in Japan against his rival, Koto Endo (Koto Kawaguchi). Rockwell, still smarting from Mauser’s initial refusal of a previous offer, sets a provocative condition: Mauser must endure a public spanking as a form of ‘payback’ before any financial backing is considered.
According to O’Leary’s account in an interview with Business Insider, the scene was initially choreographed with a stunt double and a specially designed prop paddle intended to minimize impact. However, Chalamet reportedly intervened, stating his desire for complete personal involvement: "If this [scene] is going to be immortalized, it has to be my [body]." This unexpected demand underscored the young actor’s profound commitment to his craft.
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O’Leary expressed his shock, attempting to dissuade the younger actor by warning of potential pain and even blisters. Yet, Chalamet remained resolute, reportedly dismissing O’Leary’s concerns with an unwavering commitment to the scene’s raw portrayal. The Shark Tank personality recounted his attempts to reason with Chalamet, emphasizing that he wouldn’t be able to hold back, but Chalamet’s determination was absolute.
The intensity escalated when the initial prop paddle reportedly broke, necessitating the use of a real one. O’Leary estimates that Chalamet endured over a dozen strikes during the filming process. Director Josh Safdie, seeking the most visceral reaction, allegedly urged O’Leary to increase the force. O’Leary confirmed that the take ultimately used in the film, capturing Chalamet’s visibly intense reaction, was the result of a truly impactful strike.
This extraordinary display of dedication by Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme highlights his commitment to delivering an authentic performance, no matter the personal cost. The film, directed by Josh Safdie and written by Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, is now playing in theaters, having been released on December 25, 2025.
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