With the release ofDune Part Two, its lead actor, Timothee Chalamet, further establishes himself as the 2020’s leading man in Hollywood. InDune Part One, Chalamet took his first step intoHollywood blockbusters, with the sci-fi film going on to spawnits highly anticipated sequel that seeks to build on the story of Paul Atreides.
Starting out as a teenage heartthrob and indie darling, Chalamet has built a budding career that mimics the stars of yesterday. Chalamet’s road to being Hollywood’s hottest commodity has been built through a resume of performances that have elevated the actor to international stardom. With the recent release ofDune: Part 2, it’s a great time to look back at some of his best roles.
12Tom - Interstellar (2014)
Chalamet’s First Big Role
This sci-fi dramabyOppenheimerdirector Christopher Nolan, follows Cooper, who must travel to outer space with a team of researchers to find an inhabitable planet to save the human race. Chalamet plays Cooper’s son Tom in his teenage years, featuring prominently in the first third of the film.
Chalamet’s role as a teenage boy living on a farm sees him work with his father, with his performance encapsulating the feeling of trying to find joy in a world filled with such desolation. As his father leaves for his mission, Chalamet shows vulnerability but a sense of understanding as he has to be there for his younger sister.
11Lee - Bones and All (2022)
Dark and Haunting Performance
Chalamet returned to his indie roots in 2022 withBones and All. Set in the late 1980s,Bones and Allfollows two young cannibals, Lee and Maren, who travel across America as their romantic relationship blossoms. Chalamet’s character is one of his most ominous. The characters' actions portray the feelings of isolation and loneliness, with Chalamet excelling in this performance.
While balancing the dark tone of his character, Chalamet and his costar, Taylor Russell, thrive while depicting their romantic feelings for each other despite their dark pasts.
10Nic Sheff - Beautiful Boy (2018)
Emotionally Driven Performance Pulls On Heartstrings
As Chalamet’s fame rose, he starred in the coming-of-age dramaBeautiful Boyalongside Steve Carell. Based on a true story,Beautiful Boyfollows the father and son relationshipof Nic and David Sheff, whose relationship is thrown into turmoil by Nic’s drug addiction.
Chalamet’s performance earned him critical acclaim. He showcased huge emotional depth as his character deals with the severe repercussions of his drug addiction. As Chalamet’s character continually messes up, Chalamet displays vulnerability and weakness to the demons that haunt Nic.
9Hal/King Henry V - The King (2019)
A Leader Shouldering Emotional Toll
StarringoppositeBatmanactor Robert Pattinson, Chalamet plays the lead role of Hal in the historical epicThe King. Upon ascending the throne of the British Empire, Hal battles warfare and deceit as he tries to build his name and legacy as King of England.
In the film, Chalamet rises to the weighty demands of the role, portraying growth and maturity as Hal becomes more comfortable in his position as king. Through various events in the character’s complicated life, Chalamet thrives, depicting a character dealing with an emotional toll that sees him inherit a position he holds no interest in.
8Kyle - Ladybird (2017)
Chalamet’s Portrayal Of A Toxic Boyfriend
Directed by Greta Gerwig,Ladybirdis a coming-of-age moviethat follows the life of Ladybird (Saoirse Ronan). The film sees Ladybird deal with the ups and downs of her final year before college, while navigating relationships with friends and family.
Chalamet played one of Ladybird’s love interests, Kyle. He’s a flirtatious and sleazy character, further propelling Chalamet’s status as a teenage heartthrob. Chalamet’s confident demeanor perfectly encapsulates Kyle’s toxic nature, with his character playing a pivotal role in Ladybird’s understanding of relationships.
7Yule - Don’t Look Up (2021)
Comedic Relief Role In Giant Ensemble
InNetflix’sDon’t Look Up, Chalamet is joined by a significant ensemble, including names such as Leonardo DiCaprio.Don’t Look Upfollows two astronomers trying to alert the world to the emerging comet set to destroy Earth.
Chalamet plays the role of the eccentric drifter Yule, in which he showcases his range by committing to a comedic role that gives him a lot of license to play in his performance. Rising to the level of his acting partners, Chalamet thrives, providing a quirky brand of comedy that deescalates the film’s serious subject matter.
6Zeffirerelli - The French Dispatch (2021)
Chalamet Excels In a Quirky, Comedic Role
InThe French Dispatch, Chalamet worked under director Wes Anderson, whose work consists ofcritical darlings such asFantastic Mr. FoxandThe Grand Budapest Hotel. The movie is split into three acts based on the writings of a magazine publication and its writers. In the film, Chalamet’s character, Zeffirerelli, leads a student revolution that sees him develop romantic relationships.
Along with committing to Anderson’s distinctive direction, Chalamet thrives in this quirky and comedic role, making a lasting impression despite only appearing in one-third of the movie. Chalamet gets room to play with his performance, with his character’s comedic outbursts and monotone delivery being a standout.
5Laurie - Little Women (2019)
Chalamet Becomes Hollywood’s Teenage Heartthrob
Chalamet plays heartthrob LaurieinLittle Women, a period dramabased on the novel by Louisa May Alcott following Jo March and her sisters. Laurie, Chalamet’s character, hangs around the March family, and becomes romantically interested in Jo March, a keen and avid writer.
As the love interest, Chalamet offers a sense of cheek and charm in his performance, showing great chemistry with his costars. In one of the movie’s most pivotal scenes, Laurie pours out his heart to Jo in an emotional plea that showcases Chalamet’s acting chops. Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan’s chemistry from their previous collaboration onLadybirdenabled the pair to elevate the material inLittle Women, making the scene stand out through their emotional performances.
4Willy Wonka - Wonka (2023)
Established Chalamet As A Jack Of All Trades
Upon booking the role of a young Willy Wonka, Chalamet received much apprehension from fans.Released during the holiday season,Wonkafollows a young Willy Wonka in his quest to become a chocolate entrepreneur while battling the already-established industry.
Chalamet pulls off a refreshing take on the iconic character, striking the perfect balance of charm and wit while portraying a young Wonka. While Chalamet accurately portrays the character’s inexperience, he also showcases a wide range of abilities in his performance. He even completed several musical numbers, showing off his singing talents.
3Paul Atreides - Dune: Part One (2021)
The Oscar-winningDune: Part Oneestablishes the world of Dune, with Chalamet playing the lead character, Paul Atreides. After House Atreides takes control of Arrakis for its rich resources, Paul’s father is murdered, causing upheaval and chaos that lands at the feet of his heir, Paul.
Starring alongside Zendaya, Chalamet holds his own as the lead, depicting an inexperienced but intelligent and disciplined character that deals with a great deal of trauma in a short amount of time. With many unfortunate events coming Paul’s way, Chalamet encapsulates the burden he shoulders as his young character strives to survive and exact revenge.
