Robert Downey Jr. Hails Timothée Chalamet as a Modern Great
Robert Downey Jr. has weighed in on Timothée Chalamet’s rising star, offering high praise ahead of their box office showdown. Find out what the Iron Man actor had to say about the Dune lead’s place in film history.
With the buzz around Marty Supreme still fresh, the chatter about Timothée Chalamet’s ability to pull crowds to the cinema has been well and truly put to bed. If there was any doubt about his standing as a performer, Robert Downey Jr.—one of the most recognisable faces in the industry—has now called the Dune lead one of the all-time greats.
Reflecting on his own early days, Downey shared a story from his time working on Only You with Norman Jewison. He once asked Jewison if he thought Downey was among the greats, to which the director replied,
“Well, Mr. Downey, that remains to be seen.”
Downey then turned the spotlight on Chalamet, saying,
“as of ‘Marty Supreme,’ it no longer remains to be seen. Let’s hear it for, Timothée Chalamet.”
Chalamet’s Career Trajectory and Industry Impact
That’s a big call from Downey, who himself scored an Oscar nod in his late twenties for Chaplin. Watching Chalamet’s career unfold, it’s clear he’s on track to become a major force in the business. Coming off the back of Marty Supreme, Chalamet has shown he’s got the chops to draw punters in, even as the old-school film star era fades.
Downey’s comments aren’t just flattery. Chalamet, despite being relatively young, has already carved out a spot as one of the most prominent actors of his generation. He’s made a habit of picking strong roles, from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune to a string of original hits over the holidays. His choices have paid off, earning him both critical acclaim and a loyal following.
Accolades and Awards: Chalamet’s Growing List
While Chalamet has been in the Oscar conversation for a while, his recent Golden Globe win for Marty Supreme has only strengthened his case. Many reckon he’s the frontrunner for an Academy Award this year. His mix of box office draw and acting talent makes it easy to see why Downey would single him out as one of the best in the business.
Chalamet’s rise isn’t just about awards, though. His ability to connect with audiences and consistently deliver strong performances has set him apart. It’s not just hype—he’s proven himself time and again, and the industry has taken notice.
Box Office Showdown: Dune 3 vs Avengers: Doomsday
Looking ahead, both Dune 3 and Avengers: Doomsday are locked in for their release dates, setting up a head-to-head at the box office between Downey and Chalamet. While Doomsday, as an Avengers film, is tipped to be the bigger draw, there’s talk about whether their clash could spark a cultural moment like Barbenheimer did.
But the circumstances are a bit different this time. Barbenheimer worked because the films came from directors with distinct styles and drew in overlapping but different crowds. Dune 3 and Doomsday, on the other hand, both sit firmly in the blockbuster sci-fi camp, so the novelty factor isn’t quite there. If Dune 3 had been paired with something like a Devil Wears Prada sequel, maybe we’d see a similar phenomenon.
Still, both films are expected to do well. Doomsday should have a strong opening, while Dune: Part Three might benefit from good word of mouth and steady attendance over time. Whether you agree with Downey’s assessment of Chalamet or not, it’s clear both actors are set for a big year.
Dune 3 and Avengers: Doomsday are scheduled to hit cinemas on 18 December 2026.