Kalshi’s latest ad is betting on star power, but fans are not buying it.
The prediction market giant’s latest campaign taps A-list actor Timothée Chalamet for a one-minute video advertisement featuring the actor in a series of nonsensical and non-Kalshi-related scenarios. But, despite being directed by Oscar-winning Swedish cinematographer Linus Sandgren, fans on social media don’t seem to be embracing the video.
“Delete this bro, we were rooting for you,” a user responded to the video posted to Chalamet’s X account. Another added: “You are a rich and famous actor, why are you promoting trash?”
The minute-long video features Chalamet in three different scenes: First, he is in a dentist’s office getting a procedure done and trying to pronounce the word “Kalshi.” Then he’s doing step exercises in a bedroom, which turns into jumping up and thumping the ceiling with his head to notify his upstairs neighbor to stop playing their music so loud. Lastly, Chalamet appears in a red-walled music store playing an electric piano. At the end of every scene, Kalshi’s logo appears in white, with no further explanation given.
The video, which has amassed over 6 million views and almost 2,000 replies, is being flooded by fans concerned about Chalamet’s partnership with the prediction market—and calling out the addictive nature of betting and questioning whether Chalamet is selling out.
“Ruining a multi-year generational run for Kalshi is crazy,” a user said on X. Another said “this completely cancels out all of the goodwill you have garnered over the last few years.”
“I seriously think we need to viciously bully any celebrity who sells out to take a Kalshi, Polymarket, or any type of online gambling ad. Gross, manipulative, and dangerous thing to promote to your huge audience,” another added.
Many fans took to referencing recent comments from the actor while accepting his 2025 Screen Actors Guild Award. During the speech, Chalamet said he was in the “pursuit of greatness”—comments which fans point out clash with the Kalshi deal.
“A Kalshi ad? I thought you wanted greatness, man,” a user said on X.
Others referenced Chalamet’s recent viral appearances at the Knicks games—which have become notorious for the sky-high ticket prices. “Finally figured out how timothee chalamet was affording courtside knicks tickets,” one user added.
But most used the space to roast the actor, particularly his lack of an Academy Award, which he lost earlier this year despite being nominated for his role in Marty Supreme.
“Timothée Chalamet doing Kalshi ads. Yep, Michael B Jordan deserved that Oscar over him,” a user said. Added another: “Bro is never gonna win an Oscar, you can bet on that on @Kalshi.”