The Table Tennis Coaches Behind Chalamet's Stunning Performance

In Pasadena, California, a pair of table tennis experts, Diego Schaaf and Wei Wang, have been quietly shaping Hollywood's ping pong scenes for decades. Their latest project? Transforming Timothée Chalamet into a convincing table tennis prodigy for the film "Marty Supreme. " Schaaf and Wang run Alpha Productions, a company that's been consulted on numerous films, shows, and commercials involving table tennis. Their impressive portfolio includes "Forrest Gump, " "Friends, " and "Balls of Fury. " But "Marty Supreme" presented a unique challenge: making Chalamet appear as a world-class player. Chalamet had been training for about seven years, even practicing during the filming of other movies like "Dune" and "Wonka. " But it wasn't until June 2024 that Schaaf and Wang stepped in. They assessed Chalamet's skills and decided he had the athletic ability to pull off the role.Schaaf, who grew up playing table tennis in Switzerland, focused on choreography and ensuring the production's quality. He hired top-tier players, sourced vintage equipment, and crafted storylines that matched the film's vision. Wang, a former No. 5-ranked player in China, taught Chalamet the nuances of the sport. She praised his quick learning, noting that he mastered the footwork crucial for a top player. Training sessions were intense. They started at local table tennis clubs but eventually moved to Chalamet's house for privacy. Chalamet even named specific points in the scenes to remember them better. Some scenes used CGI, requiring Chalamet to move and swing without making actual contact, adding another layer of complexity to his performance. Tyler, the Creator, who plays Marty's friend Wally, had a different learning curve. He had never played table tennis before but quickly took to the sport, even buying his own table. Schaaf and Wang were on set during filming, ensuring everything ran smoothly. They attended the December premiere of "Marty Supreme" and were proud of Chalamet's dedication and performance. Now, they're back to their regular jobs: running their local table tennis clubs, waiting for the next Hollywood project to call.