The internet is abuzz with speculation: Is Timothée Chalamet set to portray Ernie Johnson in a future biopic? The rumors gained traction after the actor and the legendary Inside the NBA host met in person at Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025.

Chalamet, a well-known Knicks fan, was in attendance alongside fellow actor and Knicks devotee Ben Stiller. Stiller reportedly introduced Chalamet to Johnson, leading to a brief but intriguing exchange. According to reports, Chalamet enthusiastically told Johnson, "I'm playing you in the biopic! I'm playing you in the biopic!" Johnson, seemingly amused and touched by the sentiment, replied that Chalamet had made him "the coolest grandpa of all time" to his five grandchildren.

This isn't the first time Chalamet has publicly expressed interest in playing Johnson. Back in December 2024, while promoting A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic where he plays the iconic musician, Chalamet mentioned on SiriusXM's The Morning Mash Up that Johnson would be a dream role for another biographical film. This initial suggestion was met with positive reactions, with many finding the pairing an intriguing and unexpected choice. In February 2024, Chalamet also showed his appreciation for the Inside the NBA crew, calling Kenny Smith a style icon, praising his bold fashion choices of pairing sneakers with suits.

While Chalamet's enthusiasm is evident, there's currently no official confirmation of an Ernie Johnson biopic in the works. As of now, there is no documentary being made about the life of Ernie Johnson.

However, the recent meeting and Chalamet's continued interest have certainly fueled the rumor mill. Fans of both Chalamet and Inside the NBA are excited by the prospect of the actor taking on the role. Johnson has had a long and storied career, covering various sports. From the FIFA World Cup to TNT's NFL and Wimbledon coverage, Olympics, MLB and PGA golf play by play, Johnson has had an amazing career run. Furthermore, Johnson's personal life, including his devout Christian faith and the adoption of his children, including Michael, who battled Duchenne muscular dystrophy, could provide compelling material for a biopic.

Chalamet has proven his ability to immerse himself in diverse roles, having received a SAG Award for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown (2024). He is known for his dedication to his roles, although he refuted claims of "method acting" during the Dylan biopic shoot. His upcoming projects include Marty Supreme, a sports adventure comedy-drama film scheduled for release on Christmas Day 2025, where he plays a character inspired by Marty Reisman. The film is directed by Josh Safdie. He also starred as Willy Wonka in the musical fantasy film Wonka (2023) and Paul Atreides in Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024).

While the Ernie Johnson biopic remains a possibility rather than a certainty, Timothée Chalamet's interest has undoubtedly brought attention to the beloved sports broadcaster and sparked excitement among fans. Whether or not this project comes to fruition, the recent link-up in Indiana has created a memorable moment and a compelling "what if" scenario for the future.