Gwyneth Paltrow’s Surprising Take on Timothée Chalamet’s Bold Performance

Gwyneth Paltrow recently shared her candid thoughts on working alongside Timothée Chalamet in the upcoming film Marty Supreme, and her words have sparked plenty of conversation. While chatting with Jacob Elordi, known for his role in Frankenstein, Paltrow revealed what stood out to her about Chalamet’s acting style. Her comments, though blunt, were meant as a genuine compliment to his fearless approach on screen.

Unfiltered Praise for a Daring Role

During their conversation, Paltrow admitted she wasn’t deeply familiar with Chalamet’s previous work before joining the project. She decided to do some research and was quickly blown away by his talent.

It was great. I wasn’t so familiar with his work either, so I did a little bit of a deep dive. He absolutely blew me away. The bravery around playing somebody with no moral center. Most times when an actor plays someone unlikeable, you can see them couching [it] — but he just drives through it. He’s just a d*ck.

Elordi echoed her admiration, especially highlighting Chalamet’s impact in the film’s final moments. Paltrow’s remarks, though seemingly harsh, were actually a nod to Chalamet’s commitment to authenticity, even when portraying a character with questionable morals.

Behind the Scenes: Trust and Intensity

Returning to a leading role for the first time in over a decade, Paltrow found herself navigating new territory on set. Her scenes with Chalamet demanded a level of trust and intensity that pushed her out of her comfort zone. The film, directed by Josh Safdie and featuring a cast that includes Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary, and Tyler Okonma, is set for release on December 25, 2025, and has already earned a 97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Paltrow and Chalamet share several intimate moments in the movie, and for the first time, she worked with an intimacy coordinator. Both actors ultimately decided to take a more organic approach, asking the coordinator to step back and allowing their scenes to unfold naturally. Paltrow joked about their age difference, saying, “I’m 109. You’re 14,” but she was serious when it came to praising Chalamet’s dedication and artistry.

Chalamet’s Intense Preparation for Marty Supreme

Chalamet’s preparation for his role as a table tennis champion began long before cameras started rolling. After a chance meeting with director Josh Safdie at a party, the idea for Marty Supreme took shape, and Chalamet dove headfirst into training. He started practicing table tennis four years before filming, transforming his living space into a training ground and even keeping up his skills while working on other major projects like Dune: Part Two, Wonka, and The French Dispatch.

Chalamet went so far as to install tables wherever he was filming and hired local coaches to help him hone his game in secret. This dedication paid off, allowing Safdie to capture extended, unbroken shots of Chalamet’s real skills without relying on a double. With this level of commitment, some are already wondering if Chalamet’s performance could be Oscar- worthy, though audiences will have to wait until the film’s release to decide for themselves.

Marty Supreme is scheduled to hit theaters on December 25, 2025.