Actress Timothée Chalamet‘s passion for the sci-fi movie Interstellar was at the heart of a unique birthday surprise arranged by his girlfriend Kylie Jenner last year. The private screening of the film took place near Los Angeles, celebrating the actor’s 30th birthday, reflecting both his fondness for the movie and their relationship, which began in 2023.
Chalamet, who appeared as Tom in the 2014 film, has long expressed his admiration for Interstellar, and Jenner’s gesture highlighted her understanding of his deep connection to the project and the story it tells.
Recounting the Special Birthday Experience
At a CNN and Variety Town Hall event airing February 21, Chalamet shared details about Jenner’s surprise with Matthew McConaughey, who played Cooper, the character’s father in Interstellar. They met while filming the movie. Chalamet revealed he had watched the film numerous times since its release and often considers it a favorite project.
“I have legitimately maybe seen it 22 times or something. I saw it 12 times in theaters when it came out,”
Chalamet told McConaughey, underlining his strong attachment to the film and the character he portrayed.
Despite initial frustration on the way to the surprise, not knowing the destination left him feeling annoyed.
“I was grumpy on the way there, because I didn’t know where she was taking me at. It’s my birthday. Why are we driving 30 minutes outside L.A.?”
Chalamet admitted.
Yet upon arrival, Chalamet discovered Jenner had arranged a private IMAX screening of Interstellar.
“I got to the theater [and] it was Interstellar on IMAX,”
he recalled.
“I said, ‘Oh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I was so grumpy on the drive.’”
Chalamet’s Ongoing Affection for Interstellar and Early Career Reflections
Chalamet has often spoken about his involvement in Interstellar as a pivotal moment in his acting career. Though his role was not large, it came at a crucial time. He told Filmthusiast that the opportunity
“came to me at a time in life, in career, where things were certainly not set yet,”
which gives the film special meaning for him.
At the Variety event, he emphasized his emotional connection to the movie.
“I love that movie, man. And I just hope, I don’t know, seeing so many young faces here, I hope it resonates for you guys, too, because I just love that movie, man,”
he said.
Chalamet and Jenner’s Relationship Timeline
Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s relationship became public in early 2023 after they were spotted together at Paris Fashion Week during Jean Paul Gaultier’s show. Months later, sources confirmed they were getting to know each other more seriously. Their public red carpet debut as a couple came in May 2025.
Throughout their relationship, Jenner has shown strong support for Chalamet’s acting career, including his work on various projects leading up to and following the celebration of his milestone birthday.
Why This Celebration Resonates
The thoughtful nature of Jenner’s surprise highlights not only their romantic connection but also Chalamet’s enduring bond with a film that played a formative role in his life and career. The private screening symbolizes how closely intertwined his personal and professional worlds have become, with both aspects nurtured through their relationship.
This event also reinforces Chalamet’s role as a rising star who values meaningful experiences tied to his work, while Jenner’s gesture demonstrates the importance of personalized celebrations that acknowledge what matters most to someone.
