Charlize Theron has reignited the controversy sparked by Timothee Chalamet's previous comments on ballet and opera in a new interview that has revived the February remarks. The Oscar winner didn't just disagree; she framed his comments as careless towards two art forms that she believes still need strong public support.
The actress, who has a background in ballet, expressed her dismay at Chalamet's earlier statements, joking that she hopes to run into him one day. "Oh, boy, I hope I run into him one day," she said when the interviewer mentioned his name. "It was a very reckless comment," she added, emphasizing that ballet and opera are "two art forms" that people need to "lift up constantly."
Theron went on to back up her criticism with her own experience, describing dancers as "superheroes" who push their bodies in "complete silence." She contrasted this with the future of screen acting, stating that "in 10 years, A.I. is going to be able to do Timothee's job, but it will not be able to replace a person on a stage dancing live." She added, "We shouldn't [expletive] on other art forms."
The dispute began in February when Chalamet, the star of "Dune," said he didn't want to work in ballet or opera, describing them as forms that people no longer cared about. He later joked, "I just lost 14 cents in viewership." Those comments drew quick pushback from Misty Copeland, who argued that he should not compare his craft to other art forms. Steven Spielberg also defended ballet and opera at SXSW 2026, saying, "We want that to be sustained."
As of now, Chalamet has not publicly responded to Theron's latest criticism.
