Timothée Chalamet Reveals Losing Action Roles Due to "Not Having the Right Body"
The "Dune" star opens up about his early career struggles and how they shaped his journey to Hollywood stardom.
Timothée Chalamet recently disclosed that he lost opportunities in major action franchises like Maze Runner and Divergent early in his career. In an interview with Rolling Stone UK on November 29, 2024, the actor revealed that casting directors told him he didn’t have “the right body” for these roles, despite his efforts to meet their physical demands.
Chalamet explained that repeated rejections early in his career caused significant frustration. “I was knocking on one door that wouldn't open," he shared. Instead of giving up, he turned his attention to independent films, a decision that proved transformative.
His breakout role came with Call Me by Your Name (2017), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This was followed by standout performances in Lady Bird, Beautiful Boy, and Little Women. These roles allowed Chalamet to showcase his emotional depth and versatility, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors.
Currently, Chalamet is preparing for his role as Bob Dylan in the upcoming biopic A Complete Unknown, set for release on December 25, 2024. To portray the iconic musician, he trained extensively with vocal, guitar, and harmonica coaches. His co-stars, including Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro, praised his intense dedication to the role.
Meanwhile, Chalamet has achieved the blockbuster success he once sought. His portrayal of Paul Atreides in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series has earned widespread acclaim. The second installment, Dune: Part Two, premiered globally on March 1, 2024, becoming a critical and commercial triumph.
Additionally, in December 2023, he starred in Wonka, a musical prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where he demonstrated his singing and dancing abilities for the first time on screen.
Timothée Chalamet’s journey from facing rejection for his physique to becoming a celebrated actor in both indie and blockbuster films highlights his resilience and dedication to his craft. With A Complete Unknown on the horizon, his career continues to evolve, proving that success often comes through unexpected doors.