Kevin O'Leary's Screen Debut Features Timothée Chalamet

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Kevin O’Leary’s Unconventional Acting Debut in “Marty Supreme”

Kevin O’Leary, the sharp-tongued Canadian venture capitalist known as “Mr. Wonderful,” has taken on a new challenge: acting in his first major film role. The 71-year-old star of “Shark Tank” made his debut in the critically acclaimed period piece “Marty Supreme,” where he plays an unlikable entrepreneur who agrees to sponsor a table tennis prodigy, played by Timothée Chalamet.

The film centers around Marty, a brash and self-centered table tennis player who seeks financial backing from a wealthy businessman. In a surprising twist, O’Leary’s character insists on administering a spanking to Chalamet’s character as part of their deal. This unique scene required O’Leary to physically perform the act, which he described as both unusual and challenging.

A Unique Scene That Required Real Effort

O’Leary revealed that the scene involved a stunt double, but Chalamet insisted on doing it himself. “He said he’ll do it himself. He didn’t want some other ass immortalized,” O’Leary told “Variety.” This level of commitment from Chalamet added to the intensity of the scene.

The initial prop used for the stunt broke during the first take, forcing O’Leary to use a real paddle for the scene. He noted that the director, Josh Safdie, was very particular about the performance, asking him to “wind up harder” for each take. “I was really whacking him,” O’Leary said, highlighting the physical demands of the role.

Critical Acclaim and Box Office Success

“Marty Supreme” has been a commercial success, grossing $43.4 million domestically so far. The film is also being considered for major movie awards, with its unique blend of humor and drama capturing the attention of critics and audiences alike.

O’Leary shared that Safdie, known for co-directing the controversial film “Uncut Gems,” had initially sought out someone who could embody a “real a—hole” for the role. “You’re it,” Safdie told O’Leary, a comment that resonated with the actor.

A Career of Playing the ‘A—hole’

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time O’Leary has been cast in a role that requires him to play the antagonist. He mentioned that 20 years ago, a TV producer approached him with a similar pitch for “Shark Tank,” suggesting he would be perfect for an intimidating panel. “I’m starting to think this a–hole thing’s working for me,” O’Leary joked.

This latest role marks a significant shift for O’Leary, who has long been known for his business acumen and no-nonsense attitude. However, his willingness to embrace a more dramatic and unconventional role shows his versatility as an actor.

Looking Ahead

As “Marty Supreme” continues to gain momentum, O’Leary’s performance has sparked conversations about his ability to transition from the boardroom to the big screen. His portrayal of a morally ambiguous entrepreneur adds depth to his already impressive career.

With the film receiving critical acclaim and strong box office numbers, it’s clear that O’Leary’s foray into acting has been a successful one. Whether he continues to explore acting or returns to his business ventures, his unique personality and approach to challenges remain a hallmark of his public persona.