British table tennis player Josh Bennett has declared Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet a natural talent after coaching him on the set of the new film 'Marty Supreme'. Bennett, one of the UK's top players, worked with Chalamet ahead of the actor's role as a table tennis prodigy in the stylised sports comedy-drama.
Chalamet has been playing table tennis for seven years, starting at a 24-hour facility in Manhattan before installing a full table in his living room during the pandemic. He continued practising worldwide, including in London during 'Wonka' filming and in Budapest and Jordan for 'Dune: Part Two'. Bennett said: 'From the first moment, I could tell this wasn't someone starting from scratch. His touch, footwork and understanding were impressive.'
'Marty Supreme', set in the 1950s, follows Chalamet's character Marty Mauser, a narcissistic table tennis star loosely based on real-life legend Marty Reisman. The film is now showing in UK cinemas. Bennett appears as an extra and praised Chalamet's dedication, saying his years of practice make his performance look completely authentic.
The film's release coincides with excitement for the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London in 2026, marking 100 years since the first World Championships in the capital. Bennett will compete in the tournament, which takes place at the Copper Box Arena and OVO Arena Wembley from 28 April to 10 May 2026.
