Director Reveals Vampire Twist Almost Ended Timothée Chalamet Film
Josh Safdie disclosed his bizarre original conclusion for the acclaimed sports drama, involving a supernatural attack that studio executives quickly rejected in favor of a more conventional finale.
The acclaimed sports drama starring Timothée Chalamet almost concluded with a shocking vampire attack. Director Josh Safdie recently disclosed his original vision for the film's ending during an appearance on the A24 Podcast, revealing a supernatural twist that studio executives ultimately rejected.
The Rejected Supernatural Finale
Safdie's initial concept would have transformed the movie's antagonist, Milton Rockwell, into a literal vampire who attacks the protagonist during a peaceful moment with his granddaughter. The director explained his vision: "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. And he hasn't aged. And I remember A24 and everyone was like, 'This is a mistake, right?'"
The supernatural element wasn't entirely random. Earlier in the film, Rockwell tells the main character, "I was born in 1601. I'm a vampire. I've been around forever." While audiences interpret this as metaphorical boasting about his business dominance, Safdie originally planned to make it literal.
From Horror to Heart
Instead of the vampire attack, the final version features a touching sequence showing the protagonist witnessing life's natural cycle. This change reflects A24's preference for emotional resonance over shock value. The studio's intervention resulted in a more conventional but arguably more satisfying conclusion.
Kevin O'Leary, known as Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank, plays the ruthless executive Milton Rockwell. His casting represents an unusual choice, placing a real businessman in a fictional antagonist role. Rockwell serves as the protagonist's primary nemesis, a powerful figure who humiliates the talented table tennis player throughout the story.
Awards Season Success
Chalamet's performance has earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards. He's already collected a Critics Choice Award and a Golden Globe for his portrayal. Industry watchers consider him a strong contender for his first Academy Award at the upcoming Oscars ceremony.
The film spans 150 minutes and was written by Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie. Chalamet also serves as one of the producers alongside his starring role as Marty Mauser. Odessa A'zion appears as Rachel Mizler in the supporting cast.