The buzz around the Academy Award-nominated film Marty Supreme isn’t just about Timothée Chalamet’s performance. For Yasiris Ortiz, a competitive table tennis player, the movie set was an unexpected detour from her real career. In October 2024, a casual group chat led to Ms. Ortiz being cast as a Brazilian competitor in a fictional British Open scene.
From Movie Extra to World Championship Contender
Ms. Ortiz, 28, isn’t pursuing acting full-time. She’s gearing up for the ITTF World Team Championships in London next month. The film, which also features real professionals like Japan’s Koto Kawaguchi, briefly highlighted New York City’s table tennis culture, albeit through a romanticized 1950s lens. According to Ms. Ortiz, Chalamet’s on-screen skills were…understated: “He was trying.”
How the Sport Has Evolved
The depiction of gritty Times Square clubs and makeshift bowling alley setups in the film contrasts sharply with today’s New York table tennis scene. While traditional basement spots like Club Deportivo in Washington Heights remain, modern venues like the 24/7 PingPod locations and table tennis bars have emerged. The sport has moved from dimly lit, underground spaces toward brighter, more accessible environments.
This shift reflects a broader trend : Table tennis is becoming more mainstream, with venues catering to casual players alongside serious athletes. The film’s success may further fuel this growth, but for Ortiz and others, the real competition happens outside the spotlight.
The sport has evolved from dimly lit, underground spaces toward brighter, more accessible environments.
The movie’s spotlight on table tennis underscores the sport’s growing visibility, but it’s the dedicated athletes like Ms. Ortiz who are driving its competitive edge.
