While most of us consider actor Timothée Chalamet’s journey to stardom as proof of his talent and dedication, the star stated that it hasn’t been without its challenges.
In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Chalamet opened up about the struggles he faced early in his career, including being told he didn’t have the “right body” for some of the big roles that were trending at the time.
Chalamet, now known for his roles in Dune, Call Me by Your Name, and the upcoming Wonka, revealed that when he auditioned for roles in blockbuster franchises like The Maze Runner and Divergent, he often received feedback about his physique.
“If I auditioned for The Maze Runner or Divergent, things of that variety that were popping when I was coming up, the feedback was always, ‘Oh, you don’t have the right body,’” Chalamet shared. “I had an agent that called me and said, ‘You got to put on weight,’ basically — not aggressively, but you know.”
This insight highlights the pressures young actors face in Hollywood, not just for their performances, but for their physical appearance. While women are often under scrutiny for body image in the industry, Chalamet’s experience shows that men also face similar challenges, especially in roles where physicality is a key factor.
Despite these early critiques, Chalamet’s career took a unique trajectory. Instead of conforming to Hollywood’s traditional expectations, he found success in more intimate, character-driven films like Call Me by Your Name, Beautiful Boy, and Little Women — roles that didn’t require drastic physical transformations but allowed him to explore deeply personalized characters.
Chalamet reflected on his experience in these films, saying, “Those were smaller budget, but very — I don’t know how else to put it — personable movies that started in this theater space. This is where I found my rhythm, my confidence, my flow, whatever you want to call it.”
These films provided Chalamet with a platform to showcase his acting abilities, free from the pressure of fitting a specific mold. They helped shape him into the actor he is today, ultimately leading to his roles in larger, more commercial films like Dune and the upcoming Wonka.
In his upcoming biopic, A Complete Unknown, Chalamet portrays the legendary singer Bob Dylan. In the interview, he reflected on the similarities between his own journey and Dylan’s struggles, noting that Dylan too had to find his own path.
“For [Dylan], it was folk music,” Chalamet said. “He couldn’t keep a rock and roll band because they would all get hired by other kids that had more money, literally, in Minnesota.”
Chalamet described his own deep connection to the role, adding, “I am now deep in the church of Bob. And I feel like I get this opportunity to kind of be a bridge to this music.” This role has proven to be a meaningful one for Chalamet, who feels a personal connection to Dylan’s rebellious spirit and unconventional journey.
As he continues to rise in Hollywood, Chalamet’s journey reminds us that success doesn’t always follow a traditional path. His ability to stay true to his artistic vision while navigating Hollywood’s expectations has allowed him to carve out a career in both independent and big-budget films.
Fans can look forward to A Complete Unknown, hitting theaters on Christmas Day. With his transformative role as Bob Dylan, Chalamet’s career continues to evolve, and it’s clear he has much more to offer as an actor.