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Timothée Chalamet has emerged as a dominant figure in the film industry, particularly during the Christmas season. He has once again topped the holiday box office, achieving this feat for the third consecutive year. This trend began with the musical adaptation of Wonka, followed by the acclaimed biopic A Complete Unknown. His latest film, Marty Supreme, further solidifies his status, earning an impressive $27 million over the extended weekend.
As audiences flock to theaters, Chalamet’s influence seems evident. His upcoming project, Dune: Part III, is slated for release on December 18, 2026, and is expected to maintain this streak of holiday success. Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends at Comscore, noted, “Every year, Timothée has a major hit during the crucial holiday moviegoing period.” He highlights Chalamet’s ability to excel across various genres, showcasing his versatility as a box-office draw.
Chalamet’s box office magic
The release of Marty Supreme has confirmed Chalamet’s remarkable capacity to attract audiences solely by his name. This level of star power is increasingly rare in today’s film landscape. Few actors can claim a specific season as their own; for instance, Will Smith once held the title of the Fourth of July king with major hits released around Independence Day. Chalamet, however, has carved out his niche during the Christmas season.
Record-breaking performance
Marty Supreme opened with $17 million during the traditional weekend, securing the third spot at the North American box office, trailing behind major films Avatar: Fire and Ash and Zootopia 2. This debut now stands as the second-largest for A24, following the success of Civil War, which grossed $25 million during its opening. With a total of $28.3 million to date and a production budget of $70 million, Marty Supreme is expected to maintain its draw into the new year, supported by a stellar 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a favorable B+ grade from CinemaScore.
Directed by Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme is a comedic tale about the fictional character Marty Mauser, who dreams of becoming a table-tennis champion. David A. Gross from Franchise Entertainment Research describes the film’s unique approach as “a gutsy, creative risk.” He believes the combination of holiday timing and Chalamet’s star power will yield significant returns.
Chalamet’s holiday hits over the years
When examining Chalamet’s past holiday releases, Marty Supreme holds a special place among his festive hits. Wonka, which tells the story of a young Willy Wonka, debuted to a remarkable $39 million and ultimately grossed $218 million domestically and $634 million globally. In contrast, A Complete Unknown, focusing on Bob Dylan’s life, opened with $11.6 million on Christmas Day and eventually reached $75 million in North America and $140 million worldwide.
Strategic marketing efforts
To ensure the success of Marty Supreme, Chalamet actively participated in marketing the film, leveraging his influence on social media. His promotional strategies included gifting iconic windbreakers to celebrity friends, flying a vibrant orange blimp across the country, and even scaling the top of the Sphere in Las Vegas, all while promoting the mantra, “Marty Supreme. Christmas Day.”
Jeff Bock from Exhibitor Relations summarizes Chalamet’s current influence, stating, “There’s no denying that Timothée Chalamet is the ‘it guy’ right now.” His promotional efforts are viewed as a masterstroke in attracting audiences to theaters.
Chalamet’s dedication to his craft
Chalamet’s commitment to his roles is evident through extensive preparation for Marty Supreme, where he not only portrays a ping-pong hustler but also engages in rigorous training to master the sport. His dedication is complemented by expert ping-pong consultant Diego Schaaf, who noted that Chalamet was determined to achieve top-notch quality for the film. The actor’s training included adapting techniques suitable for the 1950s, aligning with the film’s historical setting.
Through unique promotional efforts and his ability to attract audiences, Chalamet continues to redefine success at the box office during the holiday season. His trajectory suggests a promising future, ensuring he remains a significant player in the film industry.