Timothée Chalamet chases ping pong glory in first look at A24’s ‘Marty Supreme’

A24 has unveiled the first trailer for Marty Supreme, offering a glimpse at one of the year’s most unusual cinematic projects. The film stars Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser, a young man in 1950s America whose unlikely dream of ping pong stardom is met with scepticism at every turn. Directed by Josh Safdie, best known for Uncut Gems, the story follows Mauser’s relentless pursuit of greatness despite ridicule and personal sacrifice.

While not officially confirmed, the narrative is believed to draw loose inspiration from the career of real-life professional ping pong player Marty Reisman. In the trailer, Chalamet’s character exudes both charm and determination, phoning a movie star played by Gwyneth Paltrow to declare he is ‘something of a performer’ too. The mood shifts as Mauser confides in his love interest, portrayed by Odessa A’zion, telling her that having a purpose is not a blessing but an obligation that comes with sacrifice.

The footage also features Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank, who listens as Mauser insists that ping pong can fill stadiums overseas and could one day put him on the cover of a Wheaties box. The eclectic cast includes Tyler, The Creator, Penn Jillette, Fran Drescher, Sandra Bernhard, and filmmaker Abel Ferrara.

Safdie co-wrote the script with Ronald Bronstein and produced alongside Eli Bush, Anthony Katagas, Chalamet and A24. The film is set to release in cinemas on Christmas Day, positioning it as a potential end-of-year conversation starter.

Marty Supreme joins a busy slate for A24, which includes Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest starring Denzel Washington, the English-language dub of Chinese hit Ne Zha 2, Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson, and Rose Byrne’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.

With its offbeat premise, star-studded ensemble and period setting, Marty Supreme looks set to serve up an unconventional take on sports ambition and the pursuit of unlikely dreams.