Director Spike Lee and actor Timothée Chalamet recently revealed plans to work on a movie together, despite their playful rivalry as New York Knicks fans. The conversation surfaced during Lee’s appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast on Thursday, where the two talked about their shared passion for the Knicks and Lee’s upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest.
The podcast host, Bill Simmons, raised the idea that Chalamet is encroaching on Lee’s territory as the city’s foremost Knicks supporter. Simmons pointed out,
“I feel Chalamet is on your corner a little bit, and I want to make sure you’re good, because he’s become the signature Knicks fan,”
adding,
“He’s kinda in your real estate. Have you hashed this out? What’s going on here?”
Lee quickly dismissed any real competition, responding, No, no, no, no, and emphasizing, It’s no competition at all. Their banter highlighted the friendly nature of their rivalry as Knicks superfans.
Plans for a Future Film Project
As their exchange unfolded, Lee surprised listeners by revealing that he and Chalamet have discussed developing a film together once the actor’s busy schedule allows. Lee shared with laughter,
“Look, he’s a good guy, he’s a real [Knicks] fan, he’s a great actor, and we’ve talked about doing a film together once his schedule clears,”
adding,
“The next four or five years.”
Simmons chimed in,
“Yeah, I was gonna say, he’s kind of in demand.”
Current and Upcoming Projects for Lee and Chalamet
Both Lee and Chalamet are on the cusp of new releases that will keep them in the spotlight. Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest opens in select theaters this Friday before its September 5 debut on Apple TV+. The film stars Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright and is an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low.
Chalamet is preparing for what is expected to be his next Best Actor campaign with Marty Supreme. The first trailer dropped recently, showcasing Chalamet as an ambitious pingpong player. The film, directed by Josh Safdie, also stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler Okonma, Odessa A’zion, and Kevin O’Leary, and is slated for release on Christmas Day.
Knicks Fandom and Mutual Respect
While Lee is famously recognized as one of the Knicks’ most enthusiastic supporters, Chalamet has demonstrated his own dedication to the team. During his Best Actor push for A Complete Unknown, Chalamet appeared on ESPN’s College GameDay, impressing viewers with his detailed Knicks knowledge.
Despite the talk of rivalry, Lee assures there is no bad blood between them. Simmons noted Chalamet’s Knicks-themed style, saying,
“He’s wearing Chrome Hearts Knicks wardrobe. He’s really stepped it up.”
Lee then stated plainly, Look: There’s no rivalry there. Simmons likened their dynamic to the famous LeBron versus Jordan debates, confessing,
“I’m just trying to start s–t.”
Lee responded,
“He’s a great actor, and one day we’re going to work together. There’s no s–t to be started.”
Simmons teased further,
“I heard he was telling people, ‘It’s my team now.’”
To which Lee laughed and said,
“They’re lying. Why they lying on Timmy?”
Implications for Fans and the Film Industry
This lighthearted feud between two high-profile Knicks supporters highlights the mutual admiration between Lee and Chalamet, and their eagerness to collaborate holds promise for movie fans. With both artists actively engaged in major projects, their eventual partnership is highly anticipated. The blend of Lee’s directing powerhouse and Chalamet’s acting prowess could lead to an exciting new film in the coming years, providing a fresh collaboration that reflects their shared cultural and artistic passions.
