Marty Supreme at NYFF: Chalamet’s ping-pong epic stuns, eyes Xmas

TL;DR:

Marty Supreme had a surprise world premiere at NYFF on Oct 6, 2025.
Timothée Chalamet trained for years to play a 1950s ping-pong phenom.
Early reactions praise Chalamet and Josh Safdie’s high-energy style.
A24 plans a theatrical release on December 25, 2025.
The reported $70 million budget marks a major swing for A24.

Josh Safdie’s new feature, Marty Supreme, screened as a secret event at the New York Film Festival on October 6, 2025. Timothée Chalamet introduced the film alongside Safdie, with key cast members in attendance. The screening drew a packed house and instant awards chatter.

Who is in it

Chalamet stars as Marty Mauser, a driven table tennis talent in 1950s New York. The ensemble includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, Tyler Okonma, Kevin O’Leary, Abel Ferrara, and Fran Drescher.

When you can watch it

A24 is set to release Marty Supreme in theaters on December 25, 2025. That puts the film squarely in the holiday corridor for box office and awards positioning.

How we got here

Chalamet has been open about the physical prep. He says he trained in ping-pong for years, starting around 2018, practicing on tables wherever he filmed. He called the role the closest to who he was before his acting career.

Safdie, working solo as director and co-writer, leans into a high-intensity style that echoes Uncut Gems. First reactions describe a kinetic, breathless film with a standout turn from Chalamet.

The budget and the bet

Coverage around the premiere pegs the budget near $70 million, a record scale for A24. For an indie studio, that spend signals confidence in both the star and the filmmaker. It also raises the stakes for a Christmas rollout.

The vibes from NYFF

Social and trade reactions framed the screening as a surprise “love letter to New York.” Attendees praised the energy, craft, and Chalamet’s commitment to the athletic side of the role. Some compared the rush to Safdie’s earlier work, while calling Chalamet’s performance career-best.

Background, in brief

The story is loosely inspired by table tennis icon Marty Reisman, yet presented as a fictional narrative. The period setting, New York locations, and focus on a niche sport give it a distinct texture uncommon in holiday releases.

What this could mean for awards season

A stealth NYFF bow can spark momentum. If strong reviews hold, the film could ride word of mouth into December. Chalamet’s intensive prep and the Safdie brand may help with acting and craft categories. The holiday date also lines up with industry screeners and top 10 lists.

Key details at a glance

Item	Status
World premiere	New York Film Festival, October 6, 2025
Release date	December 25, 2025, theatrical
Director	Josh Safdie
Lead	Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser
Reported budget	About $70 million
Early buzz	Strong for Chalamet, high-energy style

Sources for the table: festival announcement and trade coverage from October 6–7, 2025, plus prior release info from trailer reporting.

Why it matters

A24 is placing a big holiday bet on an original, sports-drama hybrid. If Marty Supreme breaks wide, it shows room for non-franchise stories with star power and a clear hook. It also gives audiences something different during a crowded year-end slate.

What to watch next

Full festival reviews over the week, as NYFF screenings continue.
A24’s marketing push, including any extended trailer drops and featurettes.
Awards buzz for Chalamet and technical crafts after critics groups announce in late November and December.

Sources: