A24’s latest release, “Marty Supreme,” starring Timothée Chalamet, has made a remarkable debut at the domestic box office, claiming a spot in the top 10 with an impressive $875,000 from just six screens. This achievement is particularly striking considering the film saw 92 sold-out showtimes across only four theaters in New York City and Los Angeles. In comparison, Disney’s political dramedy “Ella McCay” generated a mere $480,000 from a significantly larger release on 2,500 screens.
Shawn Robbins, director of movie analytics at Fandango, notes that this strong initial performance could be indicative of continued success for the film. The early ticket sales translate to an average of $145,933 per theater, marking the best per-screen average (PSA) of the year, a record for A24, and the highest PSA for a platform release since “La La Land” in 2016. For independent films like “Marty Supreme,” establishing excitement during a limited release is crucial, especially as it gears up for a nationwide launch on Christmas Day. The film comes with a production budget of approximately $70 million, making its early success all the more significant.
Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends at Comscore, cautions that while notable limited releases can often set the stage for box office successes, history shows that they don’t always translate into prosperity during wider releases. However, Chalamet’s star power and the film’s appeal to Gen Z audiences may work to its advantage.
Timothée Chalamet has excelled in promoting “Marty Supreme,” a feat that stands out in 2025, a year when many indie films have struggled at the box office. His strategy includes gifting viral 1950s-inspired windbreakers to friends, deploying a Nickelodeon-orange blimp for nationwide advertisement, utilizing the Sphere in Las Vegas for promotion, and spreading the catchy phrase “Marty Supreme. Christmas Day.”
Directed by Josh Safdie of “Uncut Gems” fame, “Marty Supreme” is an R-rated comedy that tells the story of Marty Mauser as he strives for table tennis glory. Chalamet’s involvement in the film’s marketing has been hailed as nothing short of genius. Exhibitor Relations analyst Jeff Bock emphasizes Chalamet’s understanding of the importance of social awareness and viral moments, which have enabled A24 to advertise effectively despite a limited budget.
Adding to the excitement, Chalamet made surprise appearances at screenings in New York City over the weekend, committing to a series of drop-ins at upcoming showings. He shared with the audience, “I’m doing this at every screening for the next four days. I got 128 appearances in the next 96 hours,” creating a sense of exclusivity and buzz among fans eager to catch a glimpse of the star.
As “Marty Supreme” prepares to expand beyond New York City, anticipation builds around how its initial momentum will translate as it reaches wider audiences across the country. The film’s success could redefine the landscape for indie releases, making it a promising addition to A24’s portfolio.