Josh Safdie’s Scrapped Vampire Finale for ‘Marty Supreme’ Unveiled

Josh Safdie, the filmmaker behind the sports drama Marty Supreme starring Timothée Chalamet, has opened up about the film ’s original, and rather unexpected, ending. Safdie’s first vision for the movie ’s conclusion took a supernatural turn, featuring a vampire twist that never made it to the big screen. Instead, the studio opted for a more emotional and reflective finale, but the director ’s initial idea still fascinates fans and film buffs alike.

During a recent appearance on the A24 Podcast, Safdie discussed the creative process behind Marty Supreme with fellow director Sean Baker. The conversation turned to the film’s casting choices, particularly the inclusion of real-life entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary. Known to many as Mr. Wonderful from the business world, O’Leary plays Milton Rockwell, a cutthroat executive and the main antagonist to Chalamet’s character, Marty Mauser. In a memorable scene, Rockwell tells Marty,

“I was born in 1601. I’m a vampire. I’ve been around forever.”

The line, meant as a metaphor for Rockwell’s dominance, actually hints at the supernatural ending Safdie once had in mind.

Behind the Scenes: The Vampire Ending That Never Was

Safdie revealed that his original plan was to have Rockwell attack Marty during a concert with his granddaughter. The director described the scene in detail:

“You’re on his eyes, we built the prosthetic for Timmy and everything, and Mr. Wonderful shows up behind him and takes a bite out of his neck, and that was the last thing in the movie. And he hasn’t aged. And I remember A24 and everyone was like, ‘This is a mistake, right?’”

The idea was ultimately scrapped after pushback from the studio, who felt the supernatural twist didn’t fit the film’s tone.

Instead, the final cut of Marty Supreme closes with a moving sequence that highlights the cyclical nature of life, offering a more grounded and poignant resolution for the main character. While the vampire element was left on the cutting room floor, its influence can still be felt in the film’s darker undertones and the enigmatic presence of Rockwell.

Chalamet’s Standout Performance and Film Details

Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Marty Mauser has been widely praised, with many calling it his finest work to date. His performance has already earned him several major awards, including a Critics Choice and a Golden Globe, and he’s considered a frontrunner for the upcoming Academy Awards. The film’s unpredictability and unique character dynamics have kept audiences and critics talking since its release.

Marty Supreme premiered on December 19, 2025, with a runtime of 150 minutes. The film was directed by Josh Safdie, co-written with Ronald Bronstein, and produced by a team that included Chalamet himself. The cast features Odessa A’zion as Rachel Mizler alongside Chalamet and O’Leary, rounding out a compelling ensemble.