STACK #262 August 2026

MOVIE FEATURE

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TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET’S BIG GAME MARTY SUPREME GENRE: Sport drama RUN TIME: 2h 29m Timothée Chalamet FUN FACT

To prepare for the role, Timothée Chalamet practised table tennis between takes on films like Wonka and Dune: Part Two , even travelling with his own portable ping pong table.

When Marty Supreme was first announced, the idea ofTimothée Chalamet starring in a movie about a competitive ping-pong player sounded nuts.

B ut under the direction of Josh Safdie, it became one of the boldest and most entertaining films of the year. Loosely inspired by champion Marty Reisman, Chalamet plays Marty Mauser, an ambitious table tennis prodigy, turning the traditional underdog sports story on its head. Set against the world of 1950s professional ping-pong, Marty Supreme explores obsession, fame, money, romance, and the lengths people will go to for success. His Marty is charismatic, funny, frustrating, and deeply selfish, a performance that demands both movie star charm and a willingness to look ridiculous. Fully embracing Mauser’s "Dream Big" philosophy, Chalamet says, "I think trying hard is awesome, you know? And I think Marty Mauser

is an embodiment of that. He's a tryhard." The actor, who

describes pursuing acting as "finding an escape valve", says growing up in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen taught him to aim high.

and A Complete Unknown , proving equally at home in prestige dramas and blockbuster franchises. His Marty Supreme co-star Gwyneth Paltrow summed up his appeal as "the legend of Timothée Chalamet, like the knickers that are flung all over the world." Fans won't have to wait long to see him again, with Chalamet returning this

"And if you lived there, it just makes you dream and dream big in life," he says. "But it really made me dream big, and that's what was so inspiring with this movie." Over the past decade, Chalamet has built one of Hollywood’s most impressive careers. After early television roles, he broke through with Call Me by Your Name , earning an Oscar nomination at just 22. He followed it with acclaimed performances in Beautiful Boy , Lady Bird , Little Women , The French Dispatch , Dune ,

• Marty Supreme is out now

December in the third and final instalment of the Dune trilogy. Gill Pringle

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

The Brutalist, Catch Me If You Can, Whiplash, One Battle After Another, The Smashing Machine

Inset: Jaafar Jackson with director Antoine Fuqua

MICHAEL BIOPIC IS OFF THE WALL GENRE: Music biography RUN TIME: 2h 7m One of the most talked-about music biopics in years, Michael takes on the daunting challenge of telling the story of one of the most famous and controversial entertainers who ever lived.

FUN FACT

Michael Jackson was a passionate gamer. Following his work with SEGA on Michael Jackson's Moonwalker (1990), he secretly contributed music to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994). While his name never appeared in the credits, his involvement was later confirmed by developers and collaborators.

D irected by Antoine Fuqua, the film charts Michael Jackson’s rise from child star in The Jackson 5 to global pop phenomenon, exploring both his extraordinary talent and the pressures of unprecedented fame. A major highlight is the casting of Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the title role. The resemblance is striking, but it’s his ability to capture Michael’s mannerisms, stage presence, and spirit that makes the performance so convincing. “What draws you into Michael ’s world is Jaafar’s absolute authenticity,” says Fuqua. “We all agreed there could be no imitating Michael.” Jaafar’s connection to the role runs deep. “As a kid, I was obsessed with him,” he says.

“I would sit in front of the TV in the same living room where Michael once sat watching his tours and videos, just studying him.” The film follows Michael’s journey from gifted child performer to visionary solo artist, showcasing iconic songs, concerts, and music videos that helped make him the “King of Pop.” Fuqua, whose credits include Training Day and The Equalizer , says Jackson’s determination was a major inspiration. “For me, seeing what Michael achieved meant there was no ceiling.” Colman Domingo delivers a strong performance as Joe Jackson, portraying a father whose ambition helped create a superstar while fuelling family tensions.

Like many music biopics, Michael is at its best during its lavishly staged performance sequences. However, the film has also attracted criticism for presenting a

sanitised version of Jackson’s life and avoiding some of the more contentious aspects of his legacy. Even so, Michael succeeds as a celebration of an undeniable musical legacy, offering an entertaining look at the performer who changed pop music forever. Gill Pringle

• Michael is out Aug 12

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, Bob Marley: One Love, Elvis, Better Man

AUGUST 2026

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