A24 has unveiled the first trailer for “Marty Supreme” Timothée Chalamet stylish, 1950s-set dramedy from acclaimed filmmaker Josh Safdie.
Already buzzing among cinephiles and culture insiders, with Chalamet stepping into the role of a fiercely determined ping pong player, the film appears to merge high style with underdog grit.
“Marty Supreme” isn’t just another quirky period piece; it’s a cinematic curiosity that pairs unexpected star power with a richly textured subculture. And judging by the trailer’s tone, it’s a story that blends absurd humor, emotional stakes, and an unflinching look at ambition.
For audiences in Los Angeles, Manhattan, Berlin, and beyond, this is shaping up to be a Christmas Day theatrical event worth circling on the calendar.
A24 Bets Big on 1950s Ping Pong Culture
“Marty Supreme” centers on Marty Mauser, played by Timothée Chalamet, a young man chasing a dream that no one around him takes seriously. Loosely inspired by ping pong legend Marty Reisman, the narrative is steeped in mid-century glamour and competitive edge. The trailer opens with a deliciously odd moment: Chalamet’s Marty, standing on a bed in a luxurious hotel suite, calls a movie star (played by Gwyneth Paltrow) to declare he’s “something of a performer” himself.
Safdie and co-writer Ronald Bronstein craft a world where smoky lounges, polished paddles, and sharp suits collide with desperation and self-belief. The film’s look evokes vintage sports photography, while its tone feels like a cousin to Uncut Gems — high energy, risk-laden, and unpredictable.
Timothée Chalamet’s Transformation
While Chalamet has proven range in works from Call Me by Your Name to Dune, this role demands a different kind of physicality and comedic precision. His Marty Mauser is driven, even obsessive, about the game’s potential. In one scene, Marty tells his love interest (Odessa A’zion):
“I have a purpose,
and if you think that’s some sort of blessing,it’s not.
It means I have an obligation to see a very specific thing through,
and with that obligation comes sacrifice.”
The line lands like a mission statement — for both the character and the film itself. It hints at a narrative where personal relationships, self-image, and cultural perception all become battlegrounds.
An Eclectic, Star-Studded Ensemble
One of the film’s biggest draws is its supporting cast. Alongside Chalamet are names as varied as musician Tyler The Creator, magician Penn Jillette, Fran Drescher, Sandra Bernhard, Abel Ferrara, and “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary.
In a particularly memorable moment from the trailer, O’Leary’s character scoffs at the sport’s relevance, prompting Marty’s emphatic retort: “I know it’s hard to believe, but I’m telling you, this game, it fills stadiums overseas. And it’s only a matter of time before I’m staring at you from the cover of a Wheaties box.”
That blend of conviction and comedy is precisely where Safdie excels.
Josh Safdie’s Artistic Shift
After Uncut Gems cemented his reputation for anxiety-fueled storytelling, Josh Safdie appears to be embracing a different tempo here. “Marty Supreme” retains his signature layering of eccentric characters and tense dynamics, but swaps New York diamond districts for polished ping pong halls. His brother Benny Safdie, notably, is also directing another A24 release this year (The Smashing Machine), suggesting a particularly prolific season for the filmmaking duo.
The screenplay’s period authenticity, combined with A24’s meticulous production design, positions the film as both a niche sports drama and a stylish character study.
A24’s Expanding 2024 Slate
“Marty Supreme” headlines A24’s holiday lineup, but it’s far from their only high-profile release. Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, a reimagining of Kurosawa’s High and Low starring Denzel Washington, lands August 15 in theaters and September 5 on Apple TV+ after its Cannes premiere.
Also on the calendar: an English dub of Chinese blockbuster Ne Zha 2 (August 22), Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine with Dwayne Johnson (October 3), and Rose Byrne’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (October 10).
This aggressive release schedule reinforces A24’s position as a studio willing to take creative risks while keeping audiences guessing.
Why “Marty Supreme” Could Be a Sleeper Hit
It’s easy to dismiss a ping pong drama as niche, but “Marty Supreme” has the right mix of factors to transcend that limitation. The film’s mix of Chalamet’s star power, Safdie’s inventive filmmaking, and a culturally rich, underexplored setting could give it the same word-of-mouth momentum that turned Uncut Gems into a phenomenon.
Moreover, the film’s theatrical Christmas release positions it against both prestige Oscar contenders and mainstream blockbusters, offering audiences a different flavor for the holiday season.
More than just a Sports Film, it’s a love letter
“Marty Supreme” is more than just a sports film. It’s a love letter to ambition in the face of indifference, wrapped in A24’s signature visual and narrative boldness. For upscale audiences who crave originality, it might be the most intriguing ticket of the winter. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Miami Beach, or Hong Kong, this could be the year’s most stylish cinematic serve.
