Gwyneth Paltrow Calls Timothée Chalamet a 'D*ck' - But It's Actually High Praise
The Oscar winner's seemingly harsh words about her Marty Supreme co-star reveal something surprising about Chalamet's fearless acting approach that left her genuinely impressed.
When Gwyneth Paltrow described her Marty Supreme co-star using what sounds like fighting words, she actually delivered one of the highest compliments an actor can receive. During a conversation with Frankenstein's Jacob Elordi, the Oscar winner shared her thoughts on working alongside the young star, and her blunt assessment might catch you off guard.
"It was great. I wasn't so familiar with his work either, so I did a little bit of a deep dive. He absolutely blew me away. The bravery around playing somebody with no moral center. Most times when an actor plays someone unlikeable, you can see them couching [it] — but he just drives through it. He's just a d*ck."
Elordi echoed similar sentiments about the performance, particularly highlighting the film's closing moments. The exchange reveals how both actors recognized something special in their colleague's fearless commitment to an unsympathetic character.
Paltrow's Return to Leading Roles
For Paltrow, stepping back into a major film role marked her first leading part since 2010. The experience required a level of professional trust and intensity she hadn't navigated in over a decade. Working opposite someone known for his meticulous preparation brought its own unique challenges and rewards.
The biographical drama, directed by Josh Safdie, carries a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and runs for two and a half hours. The cast includes Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, and Tyler Okonma alongside the two leads. Set for a Christmas Day 2025 release, the film explores the world of competitive table tennis through its central character.
Behind-the-Scenes Preparation
What impressed Paltrow most was witnessing the extensive groundwork that went into the performance. The preparation didn't begin weeks or months before filming - it started four years earlier. This dedication involved transforming living spaces into practice areas and maintaining training schedules even while working on other major projects.
During the filming of Dune: Part Two, Wonka, and The French Dispatch, portable tables were set up wherever possible. Local coaches were hired to maintain consistent practice sessions, all done quietly until principal photography officially began. This allowed the director to capture extended, uninterrupted sequences showcasing genuine athletic skill without requiring stunt doubles.
Professional Chemistry and Trust
The working relationship between the two actors required navigating several intimate scenes, marking Paltrow's first experience with an intimacy coordinator on set. Both performers ultimately chose to step back from the formal coordination process, opting for a more organic approach to their scenes together.
Despite joking about their age difference with comments like "I'm 109. You're 14," Paltrow spoke seriously about her co-star's artistic dedication. Her praise positions him not merely as a young performer riding on hype, but as a seasoned professional who brings complete commitment to every aspect of his craft. The respect in her assessment comes through clearly, even when wrapped in seemingly harsh language.