A table-tennis legend, Timothée Chalamet, and a split Safdie partnership have Hollywood doing double takes. What record just toppled, and how far can this run go once the Oscars and the still-to-come international releases kick in?
Timothée Chalamet’s turn as ping-pong showman Marty Reisman has propelled Josh Safdie’s latest into A24’s new box-office pacesetter, with awards chatter rising fast. The ascent comes as the Safdie brothers split paths, while Benny’s Smashing Machine with Dwayne Johnson draws a quieter response. Fueled by tight budgeting and the pull of big overseas markets like France and China, this offbeat sports biopic keeps widening its reach. North American availability across platforms is boosting momentum, even as piracy concerns creep in.
Breaking records: Marty Supreme and Timothée Chalamet’s unstoppable rise
Timothée Chalamet is no stranger to acclaim, but his latest venture, Marty Supreme, has propelled him and the film into uncharted territory for A24. The biographical sports drama, centered on the life of ping-pong legend Marty Reisman, has shattered box-office records for the studio, and it is not slowing down. The momentum positions Chalamet and visionary director Josh Safdie for genuine Oscar contention.
A tale of two Safdies
Marty Supreme marks a fresh chapter for Josh Safdie after parting ways with his brother, Benny. The split has resulted in two diverging creative paths: while Josh focuses on this deeply personal sports portrait, Benny has delved into the world of wrestling with Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson. Though Smashing Machine has seen decent success, it pales in comparison to the commercial and critical triumph of Josh Safdie’s latest, hinting at a new era in which each brother’s vision carves out a distinct niche in cinema.
The golden touch of A24 and a global stage
A24 has long been known for championing bold, transformative storytelling, but Marty Supreme sees the studio reaching new heights. With a precisely managed budget reportedly under $20 million (as highlighted by Variety), the film’s returns are staggering. Beyond North America, where it has already garnered hefty box-office numbers, the movie is setting its sights on untapped international territories like France and China. With its cultural universality and sports-oriented drama, Marty Supreme seems poised to become a global sensation.
Oscars and challenges beyond the cameras
One undeniable factor fueling the momentum is the buzz surrounding its many Oscar nominations. Best Actor for Timothée Chalamet, Best Director for Josh Safdie, and a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay position the film to amplify its reach. However, its journey has not been entirely smooth. Despite availability on streaming and VOD platforms, piracy threats loom large, putting its financial windfall at risk.
A story that keeps growing
As new audiences await the rollout in more countries, the film’s profile continues to climb. With a finely tuned blend of heartfelt drama, sports storytelling, and the magnetic presence of Timothée Chalamet, this journey feels far from over. A sweeping Oscar run and a lasting place in cinematic history remain firmly within reach for Marty Supreme.