Timothée Chalamet’s upcoming film, Marty Supreme, is set to hit theaters on Christmas Day, 2025. The movie centers on a ping pong player’s journey and promises to captivate both fans of Chalamet and ping pong enthusiasts alike, offering an intense and dramatic portrayal woven into the holiday movie scene.
The True Inspiration Behind Marty Supreme
Marty Supreme is inspired by the life of professional ping pong player Marty Reisman, a prominent figure who gained fame starting in New York City during the 1940s. While the story incorporates fictional elements to enhance its drama, it fundamentally draws from Marty’s real experiences as a hustler and champion. Known as the “wizard of table tennis,” Marty carved out a legendary career marked by determination and skill no one initially believed in.
Reisman’s achievements include winning 22 major titles between 1946 and 2002, beginning with his first World Table Tennis Championship victory in 1948. Beyond his athletic prowess, Marty was known for his entertaining personality, notably performing a ping pong comedy routine as an opening act for the Harlem Globetrotters. Remarkably, at 67 years old, he also became the oldest competitor to capture the United States National Hardbat Championship.
Behind the Scenes: Talent and Training for Marty Supreme
The film is directed by Josh Safdie, known for his work on Uncut Gems, adding to the intense atmosphere expected in Marty Supreme. Gwyneth Paltrow stars as the love interest, while Fran Drescher portrays Marty’s mother, rounding out a talented cast. To authentically capture the sport, Timothée Chalamet underwent dedicated ping pong training, reflecting his commitment to embodying the character convincingly.
Cinematographer Darius Khondji highlighted Chalamet’s focus on mastering the core skills of a professional player rather than relying on camera tricks.
“He wanted to be like a real professional ping pong player when he started shooting,”
Khondji said.
“Because you can do anything, any camera tricks you want, but you need to have a core.”
—Darius Khondji, Cinematographer
Marty Reisman’s Lasting Legacy in Ping Pong and Beyond
Aside from his on-table victories, Marty Reisman was also a prolific author. His 1974 autobiography,
The Money Player, The Confessions of America’s Greatest Table Tennis Player and Hustler,
offers insight into his life as a hustler and champion. Marty often teamed up with his doubles partner Douglas Cartland, with whom he performed a comedy routine for the Harlem Globetrotters, blending sport with entertainment in unique fashion.
For those eager to dive deeper into Marty’s life before the film’s release, a 2014 documentary titled Fact or Fiction: The Life and Times of a Ping Pong Hustler chronicles Marty’s journey as a hustler in New York City. This film serves as a valuable companion piece, enriching the anticipation for the dramatized feature.
What to Expect When Marty Supreme Hits Theaters
Scheduled for theatrical release on December 25, 2025, Marty Supreme promises to be a gripping drama about resilience, passion, and the pursuit of greatness in an unexpected sport. Timothée Chalamet’s dedication to portraying Marty Reisman authentically, alongside the strong supporting cast and Josh Safdie’s direction, suggests the film will leave a lasting impression on audiences this holiday season.
With its basis in a true story of perseverance and the unique backdrop of professional ping pong, Marty Supreme is positioned to expand public awareness of the sport’s rich history while showcasing Chalamet’s intense and disciplined performance style.
