Timothée Chalamet and director Josh Safdie have officially rewritten the history books for indie studio A24 this weekend. Their high energy ping pong thriller Marty Supreme has surpassed the long standing record held by Everything Everywhere All at Once. The film is now the highest grossing domestic release in the history of the distribution company. This milestone cements Chalamet as a verified box office draw and proves that high budget risks can pay off for independent cinema.
New King of Domestic Earnings
The holiday weekend has proven to be the tipping point for the film. Industry reports show that Marty Supreme is on track to collect roughly $6.6 million over the four day Martin Luther King Jr. holiday frame. This fresh injection of ticket sales pushes the movie’s total domestic haul past the $80 million mark. It officially glides past the previous record holder. The Oscar winning hit Everything Everywhere All at Once topped out at $77.1 million in the United States and Canada back in 2022.
This victory is sweet for A24. The studio took a massive gamble on this project. Reports indicate the production budget hovered around $70 million. This makes it the most expensive film the studio has ever greenlit. The risk was high. But the reward is now visible for everyone to see.
Top A24 Domestic Earners (Estimated):
- Marty Supreme: $80.2 Million (Still in theaters)
- Everything Everywhere All at Once: $77.1 Million
- Uncut Gems: $50.0 Million
- Lady Bird: $48.9 Million
- Talk to Me: $48.3 Million
The steady performance of the film during its first month was key. Most movies see a sharp drop after opening weekend. Marty Supreme held strong. Audience word of mouth kept theaters full even in the fourth week. The unique premise of a 1950s table tennis champion clearly resonated with modern viewers.
timothee chalamet marty supreme box office record a24 movie
Josh Safdie Proves His Solo Vision
This film marks a pivotal moment for director Josh Safdie. It serves as his first solo directorial feature following his split from his brother Benny Safdie. The duo was famous for stressful hits like Uncut Gems and Good Time. Many critics wondered if Josh could capture that same kinetic energy on his own. The box office numbers answer that question with a resounding yes.
The movie draws loose inspiration from the life of Marty Reisman. Reisman was a table tennis wizard known for his hustler style and flamboyant personality. Safdie took this nugget of truth and spun a fictionalized original story around it. The result is a fast paced and visually loud film that feels distinct from his previous work yet retains his signature intensity.
Audiences have praised the visual style of the movie. The 1950s New York setting is gritty yet vibrant. The ping pong matches are filmed like high stakes boxing fights. The sound design makes every paddle hit feel like a gunshot. This sensory overload is a big reason why people are choosing to see it in theaters rather than waiting for streaming.
An Eclectic Cast Sparks Curiosity
The casting choices for Marty Supreme created a perfect storm of interest across different demographics. Timothée Chalamet leads the pack. He underwent a physical transformation for the role. He sports a thin mustache, wire rimmed glasses, and a receding hairline wig to embody the character. Fans on social media have obsessed over his commitment to the look.
However, the supporting cast brought in crowds who might not usually watch a sports drama.
- Gwyneth Paltrow: Her return to the big screen after years away was a major selling point. Her performance has been called a scene stealer by early reviewers.
- Tyler, the Creator: The musician makes his film acting debut here. His involvement brought in a younger and cooler crowd that follows his music and fashion.
- Fran Drescher: The beloved actress adds a layer of classic New York charm that fits the setting perfectly.
This mix of stars created a unique marketing angle. You have the Gen Z heartthrob in Chalamet. You have the lifestyle mogul in Paltrow. You have the music icon in Tyler. A24 utilized this spread wisely. They promoted the film across fashion blogs, music sites, and traditional movie outlets simultaneously.
Key Marketing Wins:
- Viral clips of Chalamet playing ping pong with fans.
- Retro merchandise drops featuring 1950s style athletic wear.
- Cast appearances at major sporting events like NBA games.
Global Potential and Awards Season
The domestic record is secured. Now eyes are turning to the rest of the world. The film is still in the early stages of its international rollout. It has currently earned about $17 million from overseas markets. This brings the global cumulative total to roughly $97 million.
The previous global record for A24 also belongs to Everything Everywhere All at Once. That film earned an impressive $142 million worldwide. Marty Supreme has some work to do to catch up. However, the studio has a strategy. They have timed the expansion into Europe and Asia to coincide with the Academy Awards season.
Why Oscar Nominations Matter:
- Extended Theater Runs: Nominated films often get re-released or keep screens longer.
- Free Marketing: Being part of the “Best Picture” conversation is invaluable ad space.
- International Appeal: Global audiences often look to the Oscars as a quality seal.
The nominations will be announced this coming Thursday. Critics are predicting nods for Best Actor for Chalamet and potentially Best Director for Safdie. If the film lands a Best Picture nomination, experts believe it could easily cross the $150 million mark worldwide. That would make it the undisputed commercial king of the A24 library.
The success of Marty Supreme sends a message to the industry. It shows that original stories can still compete with franchises. It proves that “mid-budget” films are not dead if they have the right talent attached. Investors will be looking at this model closely. We may see more studios taking big swings on auteur driven projects in the near future.
