Timothée Chalamet claims he lost roles in action movies like Maze Runner for not having "the right body"

Timothée Chalamet revealed that early in his career, he missed out on roles in popular action franchises like Maze Runner and Divergent due to feedback about his physique. Speaking to Rolling Stone UK on November 29, 2024, Chalamet shared that despite his efforts to gain weight, he was repeatedly told, "You don’t have the right body."

The Dune star, now known for his diverse roles in blockbuster and indie films alike, explained the repeated rejections during the interview, stating:

"I would always get the same feedback, 'Oh, you don't have the right body.'" He added, "I had an agent call me once and say, 'I'm tired of getting the same feedback. We’re gonna stop submitting you for these bigger projects because you’re not putting on weight.' I was trying to put on weight. I couldn't!"

Chalamet expressed the frustration he faced in this phase of his career.

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Timothée Chalamet's portraying Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown

After facing obstacles in landing acting roles, Timothée Chalamet shifted his focus to independent films. This decision marked a turning point. He revealed:

"I was knocking on one door that wouldn't open," he explained. "So I went to what I thought was a more humble door, but actually ended up being explosive for me."

This strategy led to critically acclaimed performances in Call Me by Your Name (2017), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, along with significant roles in Lady Bird, Beautiful Boy, and Little Women.

These projects not only launched his career but also showcased his range, earning him widespread recognition. His role as Elio in Call Me by Your Name remains a defining moment in his journey to stardom.

Currently, Timothée Chalamet is preparing for the release of his latest project, A Complete Unknown, where he portrays legendary musician Bob Dylan. To immerse himself in the role, Chalamet underwent extensive preparation, including working with vocal, guitar, and harmonica coaches.

Co-stars like Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro noted his dedication, revealing that he maintained a focused, almost reclusive presence on set to stay in character. Chalamet described his approach, saying:

"I had three months of my life to play Bob Dylan, after five years of preparing to play him. So while I was in it, that was my eternal focus. He deserved that and then more. God forbid I missed a step because I was being Timmy. I could be Timmy for the rest of my life!"

Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Paul Atreides in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series has earned him a place in the blockbuster realm he once aspired to join.

The global premiere of Dune Part 2 released on March 1, 2024, and it quickly became a critical and commercial success. The film continues Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Paul Atreides, focusing on his alliance with the Fremen and the quest for revenge against House Harkonnen.

Additionally, In December 2023, Chalamet starred in Wonka, a musical prequel to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The film delves into Willy Wonka’s early days, showcasing Chalamet's singing and dancing talents for the first time on-screen.

His upcoming film, A Complete Unknown, is set to hit theaters on December 25, 2024, marking another significant milestone in his evolving journey.