Fran Drescher, beloved star of The Nanny and current SAG-AFTRA president, has officially joined the cast of Marty Supreme, Josh Safdie’s latest feature. Drescher will portray the mother of Timothée Chalamet’s character in the film, which takes place in the competitive world of 1950s table tennis.
The Nanny star is part of an eclectic ensemble cast that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, marking her first on-screen role since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, and Tyler, the Creator, making his feature film debut. Odessa A’zion also joins the cast, alongside magician Penn Jillette, Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary, and iconic filmmaker Abel Ferrara.
A Glimpse Into 1950s Ping Pong Culture
Produced by A24, Marty Supreme follows Chalamet as a young ping pong prodigy in the 1950s. While plot details remain limited, the film is billed as a “fictional work set in the world of 1950s ping pong culture.” With Safdie at the helm, audiences can expect the filmmaker’s signature attention to gritty, detail-driven storytelling. The project is currently in production, and photos of Chalamet in character—donning round wire-framed glasses and a vintage sweater vest—leaked online last week, stirring even more anticipation for the film.
Safdie, best known for co-directing Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother Benny Safdie, steps into the director’s chair solo for Marty Supreme. This marks his first solo directorial effort since 2008, with the screenplay written by Safdie and Ronald Bronstein, his frequent collaborator. The film’s production team includes Safdie, Eli Bush, Anthony Katagas, and Chalamet, alongside A24.
Drescher’s Return to Film After Leading SAG-AFTRA Strike
For Drescher, Marty Supreme is a return to the big screen after her successful leadership during the five-month SAG-AFTRA strike. Elected president of the actors’ union in 2021, Drescher played a pivotal role in negotiating new terms for performers, including increased minimum wages, residuals for streaming, and protections against artificial intelligence. Her film credits include memorable roles in The Beautician and the Beast, This Is Spinal Tap, and the Hotel Transylvania animated franchise.
This film marks Drescher’s first role since the strike concluded, though she is also set to appear in the highly anticipated Spinal Tap sequel. Fans of the actress can expect to see her take on a different type of character as she steps into the world of 1950s table tennis drama in Marty Supreme.
Excitement Builds Around Marty Supreme
The casting of Marty Supreme brings together an unusual yet fascinating mix of talent. The inclusion of Chalamet, Paltrow, and Tyler, the Creator, coupled with Safdie’s unique directorial style, has already generated buzz around the project. The film not only marks Safdie’s solo return to feature filmmaking but also adds an intriguing entry to Chalamet’s growing list of diverse roles.
With Safdie’s previous works like Uncut Gems earning critical acclaim for their tension-filled narratives, expectations are high for Marty Supreme to deliver a unique and riveting cinematic experience set against the backdrop of 1950s ping pong competition.
As production on Marty Supreme continues, excitement is building around Josh Safdie’s return to solo directing and the star-studded cast, including Fran Drescher, Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Tyler, the Creator. With the 1950s ping pong scene as its backdrop, Safdie’s latest film promises to be an exciting addition to the indie film world, showcasing a unique mix of drama, competition, and personal dynamics.
