Followers of Mr. Timothée Chalamet expressed visible surprise upon observing recent images suggesting he may be wearing a closely cropped or shaved hairstyle during a public appearance at Shellona Beach, Saint-Tropez, on Monday.
The 29-year-old actor was photographed in the company of his romantic partner, Ms. Kylie Jenner, aged 27. Notwithstanding the couple’s presence, primary public commentary centered on Mr. Chalamet’s headwear, which comprised a Nike-branded baseball cap overlaid with a green scarf styled in the manner of a babushka, ostensibly intended to obscure his hair.
However, photographic evidence appeared to reveal that the nape of Mr. Chalamet’s neck was very closely shaven, leading to widespread speculation among his fan base that he may have removed his characteristically voluminous dark hair—allegedly in preparation for his upcoming role in Dune: Messiah.
Principal photography for the third installment of director Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic adaptation is reportedly scheduled to commence in Budapest within the current week.
One particularly concerned admirer expressed dismay via social media, stating: ‘I have never been one to engage with speculation, but I sincerely hope Mr. Chalamet has not cut his hair… we cannot have Paul Atreides with a buzzcut,’ reflecting apprehension about potential deviations from the character’s established aesthetic.
Public reaction to Mr. Chalamet’s apparent hairstyle alteration was swift and varied. One observer exclaimed, ‘OMG BUZZ CUT!!??’, while another shared a cinematic clip featuring actress Natalie Portman undergoing a dramatic head-shaving scene, captioned: ‘Timothée Chalamet’s prep for Dune: Messiah.’
Additional comments included expressions of distress such as, ‘Not his divine locks!’ and ‘That’s disappointing. I guess we’re stuck with that for Dune 3.’ Others viewed the potential transformation as a sign of professional commitment, with one remarking, ‘That’s dedication.’
Several commentators humorously attributed the purported buzzcut to narrative developments in Dune: Part Two (2024), in which Mr. Chalamet’s character, Paul Atreides, is revealed to possess Harkonnen lineage. In Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic interpretation, Harkonnen males are characteristically depicted as bald. Fans responded accordingly, writing: ‘He’s gone full Harkonnen,’ and, ‘Well that makes sense… He is Harkonnen.’#newsafro_
