Gwyneth Paltrow is making waves with her latest project, the film Marti Supirim, where she stars alongside Timothée Chalamet. This production, inspired by the life of celebrated ping pong player Marti Reisman, has stirred up conversations, especially regarding the new practice of using intimacy coordinators on set.
The discussion on intimacy coordinators in Hollywood has gained traction, especially after an ongoing debate featuring notable actors such as Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Lively has publicly advocated for the presence of intimacy coordinators during filming, likening their role to that of stunt coordinators, suggesting they help create a safe environment. However, she found herself contradicting her own stance by refusing meetings with coordinators throughout her work.
In a fresh twist, Paltrow, 52, shared her own thoughts on this subject during a candid interview with Vanity Fair. She expressed her surprise at the concept of intimacy coordinators, saying, "I didn’t even know such a position existed" while working on Marti Supirim. Her experience juxtaposes that of younger actors who navigate these new filming practices. Paltrow remarked on how, in her earlier days in the industry, actors would simply disrobe and lie in bed without the additional guidance of a coordinator. "We used to just undress, lie in bed, and the camera would start rolling with no further instructions," she recalled.
As filming progressed, Paltrow described her character as a married woman who finds solace in an affair with Chalamet's character. Their on-screen relationship develops into a passionate affair, with Paltrow declaring, "In this film, we have a lot of sex. A lot-a lot." However, when it came to executing these intimate scenes, she strongly opposed the idea of having an intimacy coordinator by her side.
"Darling, I’m from that era when you just undress and lie in bed with the camera on," Paltrow told Vanity Fair. "If anyone tries to tell me, 'Okay, and then he’ll put his hand here,' I would feel very overwhelmed as an artist." This sentiment highlights her disconnect with the trend of choreographed intimacy, which she feels can stifle creative expression.
Paltrow's frankness is refreshing amidst the evolving landscape of film production, where comfort and emotional safety are increasingly prioritized. Still, she expressed some hesitance towards overly prescriptive directions. In a playful manner, she noted her age difference with Chalamet, 29, adding humorously, "I thought: ‘Okay, great. I’m 109 years old. You’re 14.’” This light-hearted exchange hints at the contrast between their generations and mutual respect as actors.
The conversation around intimacy coordinators continues, with varying opinions from those in the industry. Paltrow finds their presence unnecessary for her style of acting. But she recognizes that it could be beneficial for younger actors who are just beginning their journey in Hollywood.
Despite her skepticism about intimacy coordinators, Paltrow has voices high praise for Chalamet. She described him as "a sex symbol for intellectuals," emphasizing his maturity on set and professional demeanor. "He’s a polite, well-mannered guy who takes his work seriously and has fun on set," she added, acknowledging the depth and complexity of his character.
Paltrow’s return to acting in Marti Supirim follows a hiatus focused on her wellness brand, Goop, and other personal projects. Her last significant on-screen role was in the Netflix series The Politician in 2019. Since then, she only made occasional appearances before returning to a leading role, indicating her passion for storytelling has been reignited.
As for the film's release, Marti Supirim is set to hit theaters on December 25, 2025. Given the intriguing subject matter and Paltrow’s enthusiastic remarks, audiences have a lot to look forward to as they anticipate how her and Chalamet's characters navigate their complicated romance within a sport-centric narrative.
The evolution of cinematic intimacy implies much more than just video content; it speaks to broader cultural shifts regarding communication and expectations in relationships, both on and off-screen. As the film industry adapts to new norms, Paltrow’s perspective offers a nostalgic look at how far things have come while also challenging the necessity of some innovations.
