Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Timothee Chalamet: Dune star makes subtle dig at Warner Bros-HBO Max deal with SNL outfit choice

Actor’s outfit choice has been branded a  ‘power move’

Jacob Stolworthy
Monday 14 December 2020 07:59 GMT
Comments
Dune Official Trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Timothée Chalamet seemingly made a subtle dig at Warner Bros during his Saturday Night Live hosting stint.

The studio caused controversy after announcing it would release every one of its films simultaneously on streaming service HBO Max in the US throughout 2021.

This means that many films that were guaranteed to be blockbuster hits, including The Matrix 4 and a new adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune, will be available to watch at home as well as in the cinema.

Legendary Pictures, who financed Dune and Godzilla vs Kong, which will also be included in the same deal, received no warning ahead of Warner Bros’ decision. 

Bosses are said to be considering legal action against HBO Max as a result of the announcement.

In what could be seen as a reference to the drama, Chalamet – who stars in Dune – wore a Legendary Pictures hoodie in the final part of his guest appearance as host of Saturday Night Live (12 December).

“We’ve all been through a crazy year,” he told the audience while wrapping up the show, adding: “We could do a little bit of kindness. Every bit of kindness counts.”

While he didn’t mention the controversy while wearing the outfit, many viewers assumed it was a pointed reference – especially considering he would originally have been booked to appear on the sketch show to promote Dune, which was originally set to be released on 18 December.

It will now come out on 1 October 2021 after being delayed due to the pandemic.

"Timothée Chalamet pointedly wearing a Legendary Pictures sweatshirt at the end of his SNL appearance, which was probably initially booked as Dune promo," one viewer wrote.

A fan account added: "This is Timothée's way of supporting@Legendary in the backstabbing that Warner Brothers has done to prop up HBOMAX. 

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

 Someone else called it “a power move”, stating: “We all know where he stands on this. Respect.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in