Director Reveals Vampire Bite Scene Cut from Marty Supreme
Josh Safdie discusses the supernatural ending that almost made it into his latest film, complete with prosthetics and fangs for the star-studded cast.
Director Josh Safdie recently disclosed his original supernatural conclusion for the ping-pong drama, which would have transformed Timothée Chalamet's character through a vampire attack. The filmmaker shared these details during a conversation with Oscar winner Sean Baker on A24's podcast, explaining how the 1980s-set story nearly took a horror turn.
The scrapped finale involved Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary literally biting Chalamet's neck. Safdie's team went so far as creating special makeup effects for the scene.
You're on his eyes, we built the prosthetic for Timmy and everything, and Mr. Wonderful shows up behind him and takes a bite out of his neck, and that was the last thing in the movie.
This ending would have paid tribute to '80s vampire cinema, drawing inspiration from films like Tony Scott's The Hunger and Joel Schumacher's The Lost Boys.
O'Leary Pushed for Literal Monster Role
Kevin O'Leary, portraying Milton Rockwell, championed the vampire concept from the start. Production crews even made dental molds for fangs before the idea got shelved for a more realistic approach.
The businessman's enthusiasm for playing an actual bloodsucker adds context to his character's vampire monologue in the final cut. His performance channels the same ruthless energy he brings to Shark Tank, making Milton's predatory nature feel authentic even without supernatural elements.
The current ending leaves Marty isolated from professional ping-pong with Milton as his permanent adversary. Yet Chalamet's character finds redemption through fatherhood, a resolution O'Leary found insufficient.
Shark Tank Star Wanted Darker Consequences
O'Leary didn't hide his disappointment with the gentler conclusion. While Milton faces a grim fate, Marty discovers new meaning as a father despite losing his champion status. The investor argued both characters deserved harsher punishment.
Mr. Wonderful suggested extending Marty's consequences to his family, proposing Rachel should die during childbirth.
Rachel has to die. She has to die in childbirth [...] I know that sounds nuts, but to me that would be the right punishment.
Though O'Leary's alternative would have been excessive, his extreme suggestion fits his personality. The original vampire ending might have created fascinating audience reactions had Safdie stuck with his initial vision.
The film currently holds an 8.2 rating on IMDB and 93% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer with 82% audience approval.