For a while now, there’s been buzz about the split between Benny and Josh Safdie, the filmmaker brothers behind standout A24 hits like Good Time and Uncut Gems. In 2025, they launched two big films without collaborating: Benny’s The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson, and Josh’s Marty Supreme featuring Timothée Chalamet. They’re both expected to be strong contenders in upcoming awards shows.
In an October interview, Josh reflected on their separation, saying, “It felt natural in some ways.” Benny echoed this excitement back in the summer, describing it as “fun” to pursue their own projects simultaneously.
However, the narrative has been complicated by a recent article from the California Post, claiming a troubling incident from the set of Good Time contributed to their rift. The article alleges that actor Buddy Duress behaved inappropriately toward a young actress. While this incident reportedly troubled Benny, sources close to the brothers say it’s not the only factor behind their complicated relationship.
Despite this, the brothers attended each other’s film premieres and even shared Thanksgiving together last year. They seem to have differing creative visions, and Benny shared his motivation for Smashing Machine: “What about the thing you haven’t stopped thinking about for four years? That’s it!”
Despite their personal journey, the films reflect their success. Marty Supreme has garnered major attention, racking up nine Oscar nominations, with Chalamet leading the pack. In contrast, The Smashing Machine faced challenges at the box office and only received limited nominations.
The Post article has sparked chatter online, especially as industry insiders question its implications on the brothers’ careers. Compounding the drama, another report pointed out tensions surrounding the Marty Supreme film, as the family of the late table-tennis champion it’s based on expressed discontent.
Josh Safdie has a special connection to table tennis, growing up in a family immersed in the sport. His journey to create Marty Supreme began when his executive producer wife discovered a biography of champion Marty Reisman. Josh insists the film pays homage to Reisman’s legacy.
Interestingly, the buzz around these films comes at a time when social media has intensified scrutiny in the film industry. Scandals from last year’s Oscars remind us of the new challenges filmmakers face today. Social media campaigns can sway public opinion just as much as traditional criticism.
As for the impact of the recent headlines on Marty Supreme, it’s still unfolding. An insider’s remark sums up the situation: “Here we go again.”
For those navigating the complexities of filmmaking, the Safdie brothers’ journey reminds us how intertwined personal and professional lives can be.
This story is based on recent developments in the film industry.
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