Chalamet's Marty Supreme Poised to Beat DiCaprio's Latest Film
The young actor's ping-pong drama is closing in on his idol's box office numbers, sparking debates about Hollywood's changing guard and controversial press tour comments.
Timothée Chalamet stands on the brink of surpassing Leonardo DiCaprio at the domestic box office. His ping-pong drama Marty Supreme has collected $70 million in the US, trailing DiCaprio's One Battle After Another by just $1 million. The race has ignited discussions about Chalamet's rising influence and whether he's entering the same tier as Hollywood's established stars.
The comparison carries extra weight given Chalamet's documented admiration for DiCaprio. In a 2022 British Vogue interview, Chalamet revealed that DiCaprio offered him career guidance after they worked together on Don't Look Up. The older actor warned him against hard drugs and superhero movies. Now their box office totals tell a different story about Hollywood's shifting landscape.
Box Office Battle Without Premium Screens
Marty Supreme's performance becomes more impressive considering its theatrical limitations. The Josh Safdie-directed film lacks IMAX support and plays in roughly 1,000 fewer theaters than DiCaprio's Paul Thomas Anderson collaboration. Despite these constraints, Chalamet's movie maintains momentum while earning a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score.
The timing coincides with Chalamet's recent Golden Globes victory over DiCaprio. Industry watchers see this as validation of the younger actor's commercial appeal. His ability to draw audiences without premium format support suggests genuine star power rather than spectacle-driven success.
Press Tour Sparks Backlash
Chalamet's promotional campaign for Marty Supreme has drawn criticism for perceived arrogance. During a now-deleted interview with Margaret Gardiner, he declared the film "probably" his best performance. He also claimed to have delivered "top-of-the-line performances" over the past seven or eight years.
"This is really some top-level sh*t," Chalamet said. "The discipline and the work ethic I'm bringing to these things, I don't want people to take for granted."
Comedian Chelsea Handler addressed these comments on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. She praised Chalamet's acting abilities but questioned his approach to self-promotion. Handler and host Amanda Hirsch contrasted his style with DiCaprio's more reserved public persona.
Different Approaches to Fame
"Leo wouldn't say that," Handler observed. "Even though it took him so long to win, right? He didn't win anything until that wrestling with the bear movie." She referenced DiCaprio's long wait for Oscar recognition, which finally came with The Revenant.
The comparison highlights generational differences in how actors navigate fame. DiCaprio built his reputation through decades of acclaimed performances without public self-congratulation. Chalamet's direct approach to discussing his craft represents a departure from traditional Hollywood modesty.
Reddit users have debated Chalamet's comments extensively. Some view his confidence as refreshing honesty about the entertainment industry. Others consider it premature boasting from an actor still establishing his legacy.