Timothée Chalamet crashes his own look-alike contest after police shut down crowded event

Our entertainment reporter Morgan Hoffman has the inside scoop on Timothée Chalamet's dazzling new film 'Wonka.' Morgan interviews him on the red carpet ahead of the Canadian premiere of his new film and gets his thoughts on being involved with his first musical and being part of an iconic franchise.

Actor Timothée Chalamet made a surprise appearance at his own look-alike contest in Lower Manhattan on Sunday, a well-attended event that drew an order to disperse from police and at least one arrest.

Flanked by bodyguards, Chalamet posed for photos with his high-cheeked, curly haired doppelgängers, some of whom had dressed as Willy Wonka and Paul Atreides — characters that Chalamet has played in “Wonka” and the “Dune” movies. At times, adoring fans heaped their attention on the look-alikes, apparently thinking they were face-to-face with the real Chalamet.

Miles Mitchell, 21, winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

Miles Mitchell, 21, winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

(AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

The event, advertised on flyers around New York, was one of several look-alike competitions hosted by YouTube personality Anthony Po. As word spread on social media, thousands of people RSVP’d to the event, which promised $50 to the winner.

But minutes after the competition began — and before the actor made his entrance — police ordered the large group to disperse from Washington Square Park, and organizers were slapped with a $500 fine for an “unpermitted costume contest.” At least one contestant was taken away in handcuffs, though police did not immediately say why.

Finalists Miles Mitchell, left and Zander Dueve, center, shake hands at the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

Finalists Miles Mitchell, left and Zander Dueve, center, shake hands at the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

(AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
(AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

(AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

(AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
Miles Mitchell, 21, winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest, holds his trophy near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

Miles Mitchell, 21, winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest, holds his trophy near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

(AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
Anthony Po, left, looks on as a contestant performs at the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

Anthony Po, left, looks on as a contestant performs at the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

(AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
Crowds look on at the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

Crowds look on at the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.

(AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

“It started off as a silly joke and now it’s turned pandemonium,” said Paige Nguyen, a producer for the YouTube creator.

Most of the wannabe-Chalamets and spectators relocated to a new park.

On a makeshift stage, the look-alikes were asked about their romantic plans with Kylie Jenner. Jenner and Chalamet are said to be a couple. They were also asked to demonstrate French proficiency and what they’d do to make the world a better place.

Eventually, the audience picked a winner: Miles Mitchell, a Staten Island resident and college senior. Dressed in a purple Willy Wonka outfit, he tossed candy from a briefcase to throngs of young admirers.

“I’m excited and I’m also overwhelmed,” Mitchell said. “There were so many good look-alikes. It was really a toss-up.”

© 2024 The Canadian Press

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