Timothée Chalamet, currently garnering critical acclaim for his role in Marty Supreme, continues to voice his support for the traditional theatrical experience even as the entertainment landscape shifts dramatically. During a Q&A session at the historic Los Angeles Theatre on Friday, the 30-year-old actor discussed his experiences with both theatrical releases and direct-to-streaming projects, reaffirming his belief in the unique power of seeing a film on the big screen.
Chalamet’s comments come at a particularly sensitive time, following Netflix’s $72 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that has sparked considerable anxiety within the exhibition industry. The acquisition raises concerns that fewer films will receive a full theatrical run, potentially diminishing the cinematic experience for audiences. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos attempted to address these fears in December, vowing to release Warner Bros. Films “in theaters with the traditional windows.”
Chalamet, who has starred in both theatrically released films like The King and direct-to-streaming titles such as Don’t Look Up, articulated a clear preference for the former. “If you put out a movie theatrically, what I’ve felt — based on my experience with The King or Don’t Look Up — is that it’s just more of a moment,” he told DJ and Apple Music podcast host Zane Lowe. “It sounds like cheesy marketing talk, but it’s more ceremonial. It’s more drumroll. And I think it’s hard when something goes direct to streaming … to do that.” He acknowledged Netflix’s ability to reach audiences in a unique way, describing its impact as “unparalleled” and its ability to “hit things in the zeitgeist,” but maintained that the theatrical release carries a distinct weight and significance.
The Q&A, cohosted by Cinespia and the American Cinematheque, was part of a week-long retrospective celebrating Chalamet’s career. Roughly 2,000 fans filled the Los Angeles Theatre for a Valentine’s Eve screening of his breakout role in Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me by Your Name. The retrospective also included screenings of Marty Supreme, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, Interstellar, and Beautiful Boy, offering a comprehensive look at the actor’s diverse filmography.
Chalamet’s enthusiasm for the theatrical experience was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, a reaction he playfully acknowledged. “I was going to contrast my prior point there, but then people supported it with applause and now I’m afraid,” he joked.
Beyond his advocacy for cinemas, Chalamet also expressed a genuine enjoyment of the promotional side of filmmaking, a sentiment that sets him apart from some of his peers. He specifically referenced the unconventional and highly publicized press tour for Marty Supreme, which culminated in a memorable appearance atop the Las Vegas Sphere. “I relish it,” he said. “This is the aspirational hip-hop part of me. … What a dream, man. Are you kidding me?”
Currently on the awards circuit following his , Chalamet recently received a Critics Choice Award for his performance as a table tennis prodigy. His acceptance speech, which included a public acknowledgment of his “partner of three years,” Kylie Jenner, garnered significant media attention. When asked about the awards season by Lowe, Chalamet praised his fellow nominees, stating, “Everyone’s killing it, so I feel lucky to be part of that community.”
The conversation also touched upon the ongoing speculation surrounding EsDeeKid, a British rapper some believe to be Chalamet’s musical alter ego. Chalamet and EsDeeKid collaborated on a remix of the latter’s song 4 Raws in December, effectively debunking the theory, but Chalamet remained playfully evasive when asked about a potential tour with the rapper, responding simply, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
As the industry continues to navigate the evolving relationship between streaming and theatrical releases, Chalamet’s vocal support for the cinematic experience serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the big screen and the unique cultural event that a theatrical release can provide.
