Our first glimpse of ping pong prodigy Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet), in the newly released Marty Supreme trailer suggests that he’s out of place. He’s standing on top of an unmade bed in his underwear, a robe that resembles a trench coat, and argyle socks. “I’m in the royal suite,” he flirtatiously informs Gwyneth Paltrow’s character through a rotary telephone receiver.
A quick background scan reveals ornate molding lining the cream walls, a marble bust atop a carved pillar, a bottle of champagne chilling in a silver ice bucket, and intricate metalwork adorning the lamps and chandelier. Also visible are room service remnants, crumpled clothes, and a rogue pineapple strewn among the pile of sheets at Marty’s feet. It’s the kind of character-to-setting juxtaposition that makes you wonder how, exactly, the two came together. The next cut to Paltrow—also robe-clad, but more composed and mature—in another classically decorated hotel suite (hers featuring heavy blue curtains with a luxe tassel fringe, and expensive-looking artwork) ups the intrigue.
According to A24’s synopsis, Marty Supreme, follows “a young man with a dream no one respects [who] goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.” The film is written by Josh Safdie, returning to the director’s chair for the first time since Uncut Gems in 2019. In the trailer, we see Chalamet’s Marty chasing his passion for ping pong through 1950s New York, with all the swelling bravado of any sports movie hero. Here’s everything we know so far about the movie and its sets.
Who’s in it?
Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow are joined by some highly recognizable—if unexpected—cast members, including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary (“Mr. Wonderful”), Fran Drescher (The Nanny), and Tyler Okonma (rapper and producer, Tyler, the Creator). Odessa A’zion, Abel Ferarra, and Penn Jillette will round out the supporting cast, per Variety.
Chalamet and Okonma (Tyler, The Creator) in a taxi on the Marty Supreme set.
Is it based on a true story?
Viewers have observed parallels (beyond just the name) between Chalamet’s character and ping pong legend Marty Reisman. In his 2012 obituary, the New York Times described Reisman as “a wizard at table tennis, the sport in which he captured national championships, won and lost fortunes, and moved crowds to laughter.” The report also notes that Reisman won 22 titles from 1946 to 2002, and that he traveled globally, “hustl[ing] movie stars and maharajahs” in the game. Deadline reports that while Chalamet’s character’s hustler spirit and arc draw inspiration from Reisman, the film is ultimately billed as fictional and its plot will not align accurately with the real athlete’s life.
Marty Reisman practicing for the World Championship to be held at Wembley, February, 1946.
Where was the movie filmed?
Marty Supreme is predominantly set in New York City. Last summer, several storefronts on Orchard Street in the Lower East Side got a 1950s makeover, featuring weathered, vintage-inspired signs and window dressings per the New York Post. The report cited similar treatment to an Upper East Side restaurant, as well as a line of retro cars on Lexington Ave. Chalamet and Paltrow were also spotted kissing on set in Central Park, as reported by People.
An Upper East Side restaurant exterior, set dressed for Marty Supreme.
IMBd currently lists additional filming locations as Hancock and Rye, New York, Chesterfield, New Jersey, and Florida. In the trailer, there are also clues that that Marty’s pursuit of greatness may take the plot abroad: Chalamet notes “I know it’s hard to believe, but I’m telling you, this game, it fills stadiums overseas.” There’s also a split-second shot of a group gathered with camels for a photo op in front of what appear to be the Pyramids, and a solo shot of Marty in the same location.
Which interiors are featured in the trailer?
The Marty Supreme trailer features more dramatic close-ups and table tennis action shots than clear set design clips (other than the expository hotel suite). There are several shots of Chalamet and A’zion in a charmingly weathered neighborhood shoe store. We also see the upscale hotel lobby where Chalamet first spots Paltrow through French doors, and a glimpse of a theater where Paltrow’s “movie star” character is presumably performing. Based on the trailer, the Marty Supreme sets promise a healthy balance of midcentury New York grit and glamour—a sentiment that seems to be reflected in Marty’s own journey.
Watch the trailer now.
Grace McCarty is a freelance Associate Digital Editor at ELLE Decor, where she covers design trends, shopping, and culture. She previously held a staff position at SELF Magazine, where she focused on beauty, style, and wellness. Her work has also appeared in Glamour and Parade.