Timothee Chalamet Reveals Shocking Casting Feedback Received in Early Hollywood Career

Timothee Chalamet is pulling back the curtain on his early days in Hollywood, revealing the harsh feedback he received when trying out for some major blockbuster franchises.

The 28-year-old, now known for leading roles in hit films like Dune and Wonka, shared with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe how casting directors critiqued his physique during auditions.

“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 confessed. The actor added that even his own agent suggested he bulk up. “I had an agent that called me and said, ‘You got to put on weight,’ basically, not aggressively, but you know.”

These comments didn’t break Chalamet’s stride; instead, they shaped his unique path in the industry. While he may have been overlooked for roles in dystopian blockbusters, Chalamet’s career skyrocketed following his Oscar-nominated performance in Call Me by Your Name (2017). That breakout success led him to star as Paul Atreides in Dune and the iconic Willy Wonka in the upcoming Wonka film.

Despite industry expectations and critiques, Chalamet has proven that talent trumps arbitrary standards. His journey from receiving body-shaming feedback to becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors is a testament to perseverance and self-belief.

In an interesting twist, actor Lucas Hedges has even joked about frequently being mistaken for Chalamet due to their similar looks, proving just how embedded Chalamet’s image has become in pop culture.