Anthony “Gilbert” Po is a bit in shock. That is what the content material creator-turned-event organizer tells me moments earlier than his first-annual Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest is about to start out. Over the past month, Po put up “possibly 50” paper indicators round West Village promoting the competition—and now, there are over 100 faux-Chalamets and their entourages mobbing Washington Sq. Park. “The occasion began out as a joke,” Po says. “To me, it will likely be till the very finish. However I’ve buddies engaged on the film set he is taking pictures in Soho proper now. He was speaking in regards to the competitors, he is aware of it is taking place. However I am unsure if that is the most secure place for him to only present up.”
Earlier than Po, who truly resembles the actor we have all gathered to have fun, can hop onto his vintage bicycle and get the occasion began, the New York Metropolis cops present up. The group begins to grouse. “I wasn’t anticipating Timothée to be right here, however I wished to see some sizzling lookalikes,” says Lola Wayne Villa, a pupil who discovered in regards to the occasion via the posters. Because the cops begin to situation citations (however earlier than they begin arresting individuals), Po cycles by like a top-hatted Pied Piper and the Chalamets observe. Apparently, he would not know the fuzz has arrived.
As soon as organized in a circle, Po explains the very scientific guidelines: The group shall be offered with every Chalamet and the one with the loudest cheers shall be topped king, profitable a 6-foot trophy and an enormous verify for $50. There are plenty of off-duty Chalamets, a handful of all-black clad Dune screaming “I’m the Voice from the Outer World! I’ll lead you to paradise!”, a solitary wigged Bob Dylan, and one very spirited Willy Wonka who’s carrying a suitcase to finish his look. The actor’s enchantment surpasses the human species, and there is each a Corgi and a Pug right here to compete.
“I do not like massive crowds,” Kyle, who’s wearing a black sweater and thin scarf, tells me as his curls fall into his brown eyes. “However my dad and mom examine this within the newspaper and actually wished me to do that. Folks have filmed me earlier than on the airport pondering I used to be Timothée.”
