UPDATE: The highly anticipated film Marty Supreme, featuring Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet, is set to hit theaters on December 26, 2023, and is already generating Oscar buzz. Based on the life of the legendary Jewish table tennis champion Marty Reisman, the movie is igniting renewed interest in the sport, showcasing how Jews have historically excelled in table tennis.
Chalamet stars as Marty Mauser, a character inspired by Reisman, known as “The Needle” for his sharp wit and slim frame. Reisman made his mark in the 1950s, clinching 22 major table tennis titles, including the US Men’s singles championship in 1958 and 1960. His legacy also includes matches against Hollywood icons like Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon. Remarkably, Reisman won the United States National Hardbat Championship at the age of 67 in 1997.
The film’s director and co-writer Josh Safdie has been passionate about table tennis since childhood, influenced by the vibrant Jewish immigrant culture of New York’s Lower East Side. His wife, executive producer Sara Rossein, sparked the film’s concept by introducing him to Reisman’s autobiography in 2018. Chalamet undertook rigorous training to portray a professional player, emphasizing the need for authenticity in his performance.
The film not only highlights Reisman’s achievements but also sheds light on the historical significance of Jewish players in table tennis. Before World War II, many members of Hungary’s top teams were Jewish, and from 1927 to 1935, the national team won eight world championships, a feat primarily attributed to Jewish athletes like Viktor Barna and Miklos Szabados.
Ping pong’s accessibility has allowed Jews to thrive in the sport, as it emerged in the 1880s as a casual pastime among the upper class in England. Unlike other sports, it did not impose the same restrictions on participation. The game has remained a source of pride, with inspiring stories like that of Estee Ackerman, an Orthodox table tennis champion who won gold at the US National Championship after sitting out a round due to Shabbat observance.
As Marty Supreme prepares for its theatrical release, its potential Oscar nominations could further elevate table tennis’s profile, encouraging a new generation to engage with the sport. The film promises not only to entertain but to inspire dialogue about the cultural significance of table tennis in the Jewish community.
With its unique blend of sports and storytelling, Marty Supreme is poised to become a cultural phenomenon, reminding audiences of the rich history and passion behind the game. Will this film spark a new wave of interest in ping pong? The countdown to its release has officially begun, and fans can’t wait to see how it unfolds on the big screen.
Stay tuned for more updates as Marty Supreme launches into cinemas this December!
