Italian
Get ready to rally with Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet is in final negotiations to star in and produce “Marty Supreme,” an original movie from Josh Safdie and A24 that is said to be about professional ping pong player Marty Reisman, Variety has learned.
Marty Supreme: a new chapter in sports biopics
“Marty Supreme” is written by Safdie and Ronald Bronstein, who produce alongside Eli Bush and Anthony Katagas. The film reunites Safdie with producer A24, which distributed his last two features, “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time.”
Reisman, who died in 2012, was a table tennis champion who started his career as a hustler in Manhattan, playing for bets and prize money. He won 22 major ping pong titles from 1946 to 2002 and won five bronze medals at the World Table Tennis Championships. At 67, he competed in the United States National Hardbat Championship and became the oldest player to win an open national competition in a racket sport. He was known as the “wizard of table tennis” and even opened for the Harlem Globetrotters with his ping pong comedy routine.
In 1974, Reisman published an autobiography titled “The Money Player: The Confessions of America’s Greatest Table Tennis Champion and Hustler.” He also inspired a 2014 television documentary titled “Fact or Fiction: The Life and Times of a Ping Pong Hustler.”
Chalamet’s admiration for the Safdie brothers
Chalamet has long been an outspoken fan of the Safdie brothers, writing an essay for Variety in 2019 about their Adam Sandler thriller “Uncut Gems.” “The pair have continuously put out contemporary, raw and untethered work over the last decade, each film building on the traits of the prior, but never once sacrificing their innate grittiness,” Chalamet wrote.
Since “Uncut Gems,” the Safdies have split up creatively to pursue solo careers. (They still produce other projects together via their Elara Pictures banner.) Benny Safdie bowed out of co-directing the brothers’ planned follow-up to “Uncut Gems,” which was set to also star Sandler in the world of sports memorabilia and baseball. That film is currently on pause. “Marty Supreme” marks Josh’s first film in the director’s chair since “Uncut Gems,” and his first solo feature directorial effort since his debut, 2008’s “The Pleasure of Being Robbed.”
Chalamet’s recent and upcoming projects
As for Chalamet, he most recently starred in Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic “Dune: Part Two” and led the holiday hit “Wonka,” a movie musical that serves as a prequel to the events of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” He recently wrapped filming on James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” in which Chalamet plays a young Bob Dylan.
Chalamet is represented by Brian Swardstrom and UTA. Safdie is represented by WME, Jamie Feldman and Lichter Grossman.
Exploring the legacy of Marty Reisman
Marty Reisman’s life was a blend of athletic prowess and showmanship. His journey from a street hustler to a celebrated champion is a narrative ripe for cinematic exploration. The film “Marty Supreme” promises to delve into the complexities of Reisman’s character, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his unique flair that made him a beloved figure in the world of table tennis.
Reisman’s autobiography, “The Money Player: The Confessions of America’s Greatest Table Tennis Champion and Hustler,” offers a glimpse into his life, filled with anecdotes of his hustling days and his rise to fame. The 2014 documentary “Fact or Fiction: The Life and Times of a Ping Pong Hustler” further cements his legacy, showcasing his impact on the sport and his larger-than-life persona.
The Safdie brothers’ unique storytelling
The Safdie brothers are known for their gritty, raw storytelling. Their films, such as “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time,” are characterized by their intense, fast-paced narratives and complex characters. Josh Safdie’s solo directorial effort with “Marty Supreme” is highly anticipated, as it promises to bring the same level of intensity and depth to the story of Marty Reisman.
Chalamet’s involvement in the project adds another layer of excitement. Known for his versatile acting skills and his ability to bring depth to his characters, Chalamet is expected to deliver a compelling performance as Marty Reisman. His admiration for the Safdie brothers and his passion for the project are evident, making “Marty Supreme” a film to watch out for.
A reflective closure
The collaboration between Timothée Chalamet and Josh Safdie on “Marty Supreme” is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of sports biopics. As we await the release of the film, it’s worth reflecting on the legacy of Marty Reisman and the impact he had on the world of table tennis. His story is a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence and the unique paths that lead to greatness.
