British table tennis star Josh Bennett has revealed that Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet possesses impressive natural talent for the sport, following their time together on the set of the new film Marty Supreme.
From Hollywood to Table Tennis Prodigy
Bennett, one of Britain's top players who appears as an extra in the blockbuster, was tasked with giving Chalamet table tennis tips during filming. He was immediately struck by the actor's advanced ability, noting it was clear he was not a beginner. Chalamet has been taking table tennis lessons for seven years, starting at a 24-hour facility in Lower Manhattan.
His dedication deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic when he removed his living-room furniture to install a full table tennis set-up. Even as his Hollywood career skyrocketed, Chalamet found ways to practice globally, using tables in London while filming Wonka and in Budapest and Jordan during the production of Dune: Part Two.
Authenticity on Screen
This commitment has paid off for his role as Marty Mauser, a narcissistic table tennis prodigy in the stylised 1950s sports comedy-drama. The film, now showing in UK cinemas, follows Mauser's obsessive journey from New York hustler to world-stage competitor in London and Japan.
"From the first moment I saw him on set, I could tell this wasn't someone starting from scratch," Bennett said. "His touch, footwork and understanding of the sport were at an impressive level. The dedication he's shown to keep playing wherever he is in the world for the past seven years really comes through on screen."
A Landmark Year for Table Tennis
The release of Marty Supreme coincides with a major moment for the sport in the UK. The ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals are set for London this year, with Bennett confirmed to take part. The event marks 100 years since the first World Championships were held in the capital.
Teams will compete over 13 days at two iconic venues: the Copper Box Arena from 28 April to 1 May 2026, followed by the OVO Arena Wembley from 2-10 May 2026. Tickets are now available for what is being promoted as a landmark moment for table tennis.
