Kevin O’Leary is proudly embracing his controversial persona this holiday season in a surprising turn of events. The Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and ally of Donald Trump has landed a role in the new movie Marty Supreme, alongside stars Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Known for his role as an investor on CBC’s Dragons’ Den and the U.S. version Shark Tank, O’Leary’s on-screen persona of Mr. Wonderful contrasts sharply with his blunt and straightforward demeanor, which has earned him the “a-hole” label. Embracing the moniker, O’Leary humorously acknowledged that it seems to be working in his favor.
His unexpected casting in Marty Supreme has raised eyebrows among critics and fans alike. Some have questioned the decision to include O’Leary in the film, with one Canadian Reddit user expressing disappointment over his presence in the movie.
A key figure in the business world, O’Leary co-founded the tech company SoftKey, later selling it for a significant sum. He ventured into television hosting and briefly entered politics, vying for leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada in 2017.
Despite controversies surrounding him, O’Leary’s portrayal of Milton Rockwell in Marty Supreme has garnered mixed reactions. While some critics believe his casting adds depth to the film, others argue it detracts from its seriousness.
The movie itself has received positive reviews and is a strong contender for multiple Academy Award nominations. Studio A24 is actively promoting O’Leary for consideration in the best supporting actor category, although he has yet to secure major award nominations.
O’Leary’s involvement in the film reflects the director’s intention to portray the ruthless nature of the character he embodies. Safdie highlighted the challenge of finding the right actor to convey the essence of corporate greed and globalism, ultimately finding O’Leary to be a perfect fit for the role.
In interviews, O’Leary has emphasized that he was sought after for his ability to embody the essence of a “real asshole” on screen. Despite mixed reactions to his casting, O’Leary remains unapologetic about his persona and views.
While O’Leary’s divisive nature has sparked controversy in the past, his presence in Marty Supreme adds a unique dynamic to the film, showcasing a different side of his persona that continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.
