“The Nanny” star and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher has joined the cast of Josh Safdie’s table tennis movie “Marty Supreme.” She will play the mother of Timothée Chalamet’s character.
Starring alongside Chalamet and Drescher are Gwyneth Paltrow (in her first on-screen movie role since 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame”) and Tyler, the Creator (in his film debut). Odessa A’zion also stars alongside magician Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller), investor and “Shark Tank” personality Kevin O’Leary (aka Mr. Wonderful) and “Bad Lieutenant” filmmaker Abel Ferrara.
From A24, “Marty Supreme” follows Chalamet as a young ping pong pro. Plot details are scant, but the studio is touting the film as a “fictional work set in the world of 1950s ping pong culture.” Variety broke news of the project, which is currently in production, in July.
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Drescher is best known as the star of the CBS sitcom “The Nanny,” which ran from 1993 to 1999 and landed her two Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nods. Her film credits include “The Beautician and the Beast,” “UHF,” “This Is Spinal Tap” and the animated “Hotel Transylvania” movies.
Drescher was elected president of SAG-AFTRA in 2021 and, in 2023, she led the union during the five-month actors strike that disrupted the entertainment industry and earned performers an increased minimum wage, new residuals for streaming and protections against artificial intelligence.
“Marty Supreme” is Drescher’s first film role since the strike ended, though she is also expected to appear in the “Spinal Tap” sequel.
Photos of Chalamet on the set of “Marty Supreme,” dressed in 1950s attire — round wire-framed glasses and an oversized white shirt underneath a blue sweater vest — leaked online last week as anticipation for the film builds.
“Marty Supreme” marks Safdie’s first solo feature directorial effort since 2008. He and Ronald Bronstein wrote the original screenplay and produce alongside Eli Bush, Anthony Katagas, Chalamet and A24.
Safdie is best known for “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time,” which he directed with his brother, Benny Safdie. After the two split creatively, Josh Safdie helmed Adam Sandler’s latest comedy special for Netflix titled “Love You,” and he’s also working with Sandler on a separate movie set in the world of sports memorabilia and baseball.
Drescher is represented by Reliant Talent and Authentic Management.
