Timothée Chalamet sparked a debate within the performing arts community after suggesting that “nobody cares” about ballet and opera during a conversation with Matthew McConaughey, hosted by Variety and CNN.
The event took place on February 24 at the University of Texas at Austin, where the two actors discussed the current state of the film industry and contemporary movie trends before a live audience.
Chalamet’s Comments During the Conversation
During the discussion, Chalamet, 30, and McConaughey, 56, spoke about the trend of some films placing their biggest action sequences at the beginning.
Chalamet cited Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Frankenstein as an example, noting that the film has generated buzz without relying on a fast-paced rhythm.
“Sometimes you have to raise a flag and say: ‘Hey, this is a serious movie,’ or something like that, and Notice people who want to be entertained quickly,” the Oscar-nominated actor explained.
He too mentioned the desire of many artists to keep movie theaters relevant by showcasing a variety of genres.
“I’m right in the middle, Matthew. I admire people—and I’ve done it myself—who go on a talk show and say, ‘We have to keep movie theaters alive, we have to keep this genre alive,’” he commented. “And another part of me thinks that if people want to see it, like Barbie or Oppenheimer, they’ll go see it and make the effort to express it proudly.”
It was then that he made the comment that drew reactions.
“I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like: ‘Hey, let’s keep this alive,’ even though nobody cares anymore,” he said, prompting laughter from the audience. He then added, “All my respect to all the people in ballet and opera.”
Shortly after, the actor acknowledged his words could be taken as critical.
“I just lost 14 cents in audience,” he joked. “I just threw down some gauntlets for no reason.”
Reactions from Opera and Ballet Artists
Following the release of the event video, several artists from the worlds of ballet and opera reacted on social media.
Grammy Award-winning opera singer Isabelle Leonard wrote that she was surprised by the actor’s statements.
“I’m astonished that someone seemingly so successful can be so inarticulate and narrow-minded in their opinions about art, while considering themselves an artist,” she commented.
Canadian mezzo-soprano Deepa Johnny also responded to the video.
“What a disappointing seize. There is nothing as breathtaking as the magic of live theatre, ballet and opera,” she wrote. “We should be trying to uplift these art forms and these artists, and unite across disciplines to do so.”
Brazilian dancer Victor Caixeta also reacted to Chalamet’s comment, pointing to the historical legacy of these disciplines.
“Ballet and opera have survived for centuries. Let’s see if your movies are still being watched in 300 years,” he wrote.
Brazilian actor and singer Thiago Fragoso also joined the responses on social media.
“Ballet and opera, my friend… Some things deserve to exist. Go see some,” he commented.
The Metropolitan Opera’s Response
The Metropolitan Opera of New York also responded to Timothée Chalamet’s statements through a video posted on TikTok.
The clip showcased behind-the-scenes footage from opera productions: artisans building sets, designers preparing costumes and wigs, as well as musicians, conductors, and technicians during rehearsals and performances.
“All the respect to the people of opera (and ballet),” the video states.
The post also included a message directed at the actor: “This is for you, Timothée Chalamet…”
Message from the Royal Ballet and Opera of London
Another institution that reacted was the Royal Ballet and Opera of London, which published a message on Instagram accompanied by a video of several performances.
“Every night at the Royal Opera House, thousands of people come together to experience ballet and opera. For the music. For the stories. For the sheer magic of live performance,” the institution wrote.
The message concluded with an invitation to the actor: “If you’d like to reconsider, @tchalamet, our doors are open.”
