Amid reports and articles that state the “death of the movie star,” Timothée Chalamet has risen up as a challenge to the notion. Between “Wonka” and “Dune: Part Two,” the 28-year-old actor has two top domestic grossing films over the last eight months. He is the only lead to do so since John Travolta in the 1970s.
And, while it seems easy to say it now, none of those films were sure hits on paper. The expectations for “Wonka” were low, despite the popularity of the character, as it was a musical and a remake. However, it managed to gross $628 million worldwide.
Meanwhile, projections for “Dune: Part Two” were more optimistic, as he led a star-studded cast that also had Zendaya, Florence Pugh and Austin Butler. However, now fans wonder what the actor is doing next. Here’s what to know.
Timothée Chalamet’s upcoming projects: Will the star take a break?
It’s not uncommon for actors to take a pause after demanding projects. Chalamet has revealed that he barely had a time between filming “Wonka” and “Dune: Part Two,” there have been some speculation that Chalamet is taking a break, but that’s not the case. The actor has, at least, one project lined up: Bob Dylan’s biopic.
“A Complete Unknown” (December 25, 2024)
Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” which will be directed by James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari, Walk The Line). Filming started in March 2024 in New York, after it was delayed due to the Hollywood strikes. Chalamet also produces the film.
First official image of “A Complete Unknown” (Via @FilmUpdates)
The film also stars Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger. There’s no release date yet.
Marty Reisman’s biopic
Chalamet will star in “Marty Supreme,” according to Variety, a fictionalized story inspired by professional ping pong player Marty Reisman. The screenplay is written by Safdie and Ronald Bronstein, with production by Eli Bush and Anthony Katagas.
This project also marks a reunion between Safdie and producer A24, known for distributing his previous films, “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time.” Marty Reisman, who passed away in 2012, was a legendary table tennis champion who began his career as a hustler in Manhattan, playing for bets and prize money.
Over his career, he won 22 major ping pong titles from 1946 to 2002 and earned five bronze medals at the World Table Tennis Championships. Notably, at 67, he became the oldest player to win an open national competition in a racket sport at the United States National Hardbat Championship. Known as the “wizard of table tennis,” Reisman also entertained audiences by opening for the Harlem Globetrotters with his ping pong comedy routine.
The upcoming movie will showcase the journey of the icon, who was a hustler turned ping pong champion, becoming the oldest player to win a national racket sports competition at the age of 67.
Chalamet signed a multi-year deal with Warner Bros.
Per Deadline, the actor also has signed a multi-year first look feature film deal with Warner Bros. Discovery as actor and producer, similar to the one Tom Cruise also has with the studio. However, there are no projects attached right now.
