Rising star Timothée Chalamet, who has made a name for himself in the last few years, starring in films like Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-winningLittle Womenand now Denis Villeneuve’s upcomingDuneepic, was advised to avoid big superhero films.
Recently speaking with Time magazine, the 25-year oldDuneactor reflected on his experience with fame, his acting approach, and the important advice he has been given so far in his early rise to stardom. “One of my heroes — I can’t say who or he’d kick my ass — he put his arm around me the first night we met and gave me some advice,” Chalamet said to Time, “No hard drugs and no superhero movies.”
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Although Chalamet seems to not be joining either the MCU or DCEU anytime soon, the actor claimed the visionary Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knightto be one of his favorite films after being asked by Variety back in 2018 whether he’d see himself in a potential superhero role, adding that he wants to “work on…anything that’s good.” There was also a point when rumors were brewing that Chalamet was the next up to don the cape and cowl as Batman before the role would eventually go to Robert Pattinson for Matt Reeves' upcomingThe Batman.
Also in 2018, the young actor opened up at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards that he once auditioned to play theSpider-Man role that ended up going to Tom Hollandfor 2017’sSpider-Man: Homecoming. “I read twice and I left sweating in a total panic,” Chalamet told The Hollywood Reporter then. “I called my agent, [UTA’s] Brian Swardstrom, and I said, ‘Brian, I thought about this a lot and I have to go back and knock on that door and read again,’ and he told me the story of Sean Young and how in an attempt to become Catwoman had scared everyone away when she showed up at the studio gates in costume.”
Many fans are aware of Chalamet and Holland’s recent rise in the industry, but interestingly point out the different directions both actors are taking. While Holland has gone down the superhero route, first appearing in the web-slinging role in 2016’sCaptain America: Civil Warand eventually going on to star in other numerous MCU projects, Chalamet has chosen a different path. His breakthrough first came with Luca Guadagnino’s romantic dramaCall Me by Your Name, which earned Chalamet an Academy Award nomination for best actor. Since then, he has appeared in other critically acclaimed indie projects such asBeautiful Boy,Lady Birdy, Hot Summer Nights, and Netflix’s war filmThe King.
In the meantime, Chalamet is showing no signs of slowing down. His role as Paul Atreides inDune, which is based on the famous 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, is already receiving much praise from critics, with many believing him to have that next big on-screen star presence. He will also appear in Wes Anderson’s comedy-dramaThe French Dispatchand isleading the ensemble cast as the eccentric chocolatierin Paul King’s (known for bothPaddingtonfilms) Willy Wonka prequel film,Wonka, which recently started principal photography in London and is scheduled to release on March 17th, 2023.
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