Kevin O’Leary and Timothée Chalamet’s daring bare-bottom paddle scene in the upcoming film “Marty Supreme” proved to be just as wild to film as it looks. O’Leary, known for his role on “Shark Tank,” plays businessman Milton Rockwell in the biopic, which follows the journey of table tennis prodigy Marty Mauser, portrayed by Chalamet.
Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly ahead of the film’s release on December 25, O’Leary described the filming process, detailing how a fake paddle initially chosen for the scene quickly broke. This led to the use of a real wooden paddle, which intensively set the tone for the notorious scene where Marty pleads for forgiveness after passing on exhibition ping pong matches, culminating in a dramatic spanking.
Chalamet was insistent on using his own body for the scene, opting out of a body double, with O’Leary recalling, “Timmy walked in [and] said, ‘No, it’s got to be my ass. I’m going to immortalize my ass on film in perpetuity.’” Despite concerns about the impact of the non-prop paddle, Chalamet remained determined. O’Leary noted that after numerous takes, the director pushed for a more authentic performance, which culminated in a more intense approach that garnered a reaction from Chalamet that ended up in the final cut.
O’Leary expressed admiration for Chalamet’s professionalism, stating, “I have a new respect for that kid… He deserves an Academy Award.” Both actors have acknowledged the performance’s caliber, with O’Leary claiming it far surpasses anything the Dune star has done before, emphasizing Chalamet’s immersive transformation into the character of Marty.
The film, loosely based on the life of table tennis champion Marty Reisman, showcases Marty’s rise from the Lower East Side to international competitions. This intensely comedic portrayal brings to light the determination and passion present in the sports realm during the 1950s.
O’Leary embarked on this acting venture despite initial skepticism from some team members about his ability to transition from reality television to scripted roles. However, he committed to overcoming his comfort zone, motivated by the film’s distinctive script. His dedication is reflected in how he collaborated with the filmmakers to enhance his character’s arc.
“Marty Supreme” promises not only comedic moments but also a portrayal of an inspiring journey, reflecting hard work and ambition within the sports world. With its release just around the corner, audience expectations are set high for this unique cinematic endeavor that combines humor with heartfelt storytelling.