'Dune' Star Timothee Chalamet Opens Up On why He Lost Out On 'Maze Runner,' 'Divergent' Roles

November 30, 2024: Timothée Chalamet, one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actors, recently opened up about the early struggles of his career, sharing that he initially aimed to break into big-budget action films like Maze Runner and Divergent. However, he faced rejection due to his body type, which didn't fit the typical action-hero mold.

In an interview, Chalamet recalled the feedback he often received early on: "I would always get the same feedback, 'Oh, you don't have the right body.'" He went on to share a particularly tough moment when his agent informed him that they would stop submitting him for such roles. "I was trying to put on weight. I couldn't! I basically couldn't. My metabolism or whatever the fuck couldn't do it," he said, reflecting on the challenges he faced at the time.

Instead of pursuing action roles, Chalamet pivoted to more intimate, indie films, which proved to be a turning point in his career. He starred in critically acclaimed projects like Call Me by Your Name, Lady Bird, Beautiful Boy, and Little Women. "I was knocking on one door that wouldn't open, so I went to what I thought was a more humble door, but actually ended up being explosive for me," he said, highlighting how these indie films helped him find his voice as an actor.

Chalamet's career then skyrocketed, leading to major roles in films like Denis Villeneuve's Dune and its highly anticipated sequel Dune: Part Two. His journey from indie projects to blockbuster franchises shows his versatility and the broad appeal of his talent.

Looking ahead, fans are excited to see Chalamet portray iconic musician Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, set to release on December 25. Reflecting on his early roles, Chalamet noted that his experiences in indie films shaped the way he approaches characters, saying, "There's an intimacy to that work that I hear in Bob's early music, in his early folk songs."

Chalamet's story serves as a reminder that even when one door closes, another more fulfilling one can open — sometimes leading to even greater success.