Here’s an interesting little development on the fall festival circuit: A24 is so confident in Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” that they might give it an early splash at a fall fest — more than two months before its official theatrical bow.
I’ve been told where the world premiere will happen, but I’ve also been sworn to secrecy. Let’s just say the odds of it happening are quite good, and it’s certainly not being added to TIFF or Venice (my only clues).
The Timothée Chalamet–starrer recently held a test screening, and word from someone in the room was clear: don’t expect your “typical Safdie” joint. This isn’t “Good Time,” and it’s definitely not “Uncut Gems.” By all accounts, the movie is a totally different beast — far removed from the brothers’ signature anxiety-inducing style.
“Marty Supreme,” produced by A24, has a wild cast, including Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Fran Drescher, Tyler The Creator, Abel Ferrara, Penn Jillette, Kevin O’Leary and Sandra Bernhard.
Set in 1953, “Marty Supreme” will tell the wild story of a Ping Pong champion. It is said to be a “fictional work,” but Marty Reisman was used as a template. The screenplay was written by Safdie and Ronald Bronstein. Last year, it had been reported that Safdie’s film cost close to $90M to produce.
The film’s DP, Darius Khondji, recently claimed that there are over 140 different characters featured in “Marty Supreme,” and that the film is “unlike anything at the moment.”
One thing that is definitely confirmed: “Marty Supreme” is locked for a Christmas Day release. If the early festival word is strong, A24 could be looking at a serious year-end contender.