Timothée Chalamet recently shared that early in his career, he was advised to gain weight in order to land roles in mainstream films. Reflecting on his early auditions, Chalamet, now 28, revealed on the November 11 episode of Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Interview Series that casting feedback often focused on his physique. “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,’” he recalled.

The Dune star explained that even his agent encouraged him to put on weight to appeal to casting directors looking for action-oriented leads. “I had an agent that called me and said, ‘You got to put on weight,’ basically — not aggressively, but you know,” he shared.

Instead of bulking up for blockbuster roles, Chalamet found his niche in independent and prestige films, gravitating toward projects that prioritized complex characters and storytelling. Roles in films like Lady Bird, Little Women, and Call Me By Your Name showcased his unique, introspective style and propelled him to critical acclaim. His portrayal in Call Me By Your Name earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in 2018, cementing him as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents.

“This is where I found my rhythm, my confidence, my flow, whatever you want to call it,” Chalamet said, describing his journey toward self-assuredness. His approach has not only shaped his career path but has also allowed him to create a distinct presence in Hollywood, standing out in an industry often focused on physical stereotypes for male leads.

Chalamet’s commitment to authenticity and his preference for roles with emotional depth have helped define his career. With critically acclaimed performances and a growing fan base, Chalamet’s career choices continue to set him apart as a talent who prioritizes artistry over convention.