Timothee Chalamet has sparked pandemonium among screaming fans in New York by unexpectedly showing up to his own lookalike contest.
Flanked by bodyguards, the actor posed for photographs with his curly-haired doppelgangers – some of whom had dressed as his characters, including Willy Wonka and Paul Atreides from Dune.
At times, adoring fans accidentally heaped their attention on the look-alikes, apparently thinking they were face-to-face with the real Chalamet.
The frenzied 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 competition, which promised $50 for the winner.
Timothee Chalamet has sparked pandemonium among screaming fans in New York by unexpectedly showing up to his own lookalike contest
Flanked by bodyguards, the Dune star posed for photographs with his curly-haired doppelgangers – some of whom had dressed as his characters, including Willy Wonka
Pictured: Miles Mitchell, 21, winner of 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
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.
Competitors at the event told DailyMail.com the Dune actor triggered ‘insane’ scenes – and the NYPD even moved in later to disperse crazed admirers.
At least one doppelganger was dragged away in handcuffs from Washington Square Park on Sunday afternoon as the crowd screamed: ‘Let him go!’
‘It was really funny, like a spectacle,’ bystander Megan Hattie Stahl, 33, told Daily Mail.com.
‘The people filming it and the people reacting to the cops became another layer of spectacle. It was just absurd.’
Competitors at the Manhattan event on Sunday told DailyMail.com the Wonka star arrived unexpectedly – triggering ‘insane’ scenes. (Pictured: Competitors at the doppelganger event)
Timothee Chalamet has sparked pandemonium in New York after shocking fans by showing up to his own lookalike contest. (Pictured: Some of the competitors before the actor showed up)
Anthony Po, right, deliberates with the judges at the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York
The crowd went wild when Chalamet showed up, sparking pandemonium in Manhattan
Fans traveled from as far as St Louis, Missouri and River Falls, Wisconsin for the wacky competition, where the best lookalike won $50.
Competitor Noah Wilde, 23, said the contest was ranked by crowd vote, with people shouting for their favorite Chalamet.
He told DailyMail.com the crowd was ‘thick’ when police swooped in to try to disperse the young people.
‘They pushed one kid and then they started yelling like ‘why the f*** would you push me,’ and made a little circle,’ he said.
‘They ended up getting arrested’.
But the drama was far from over, and stunned fans were shocked when the real actor showed up unannounced.
‘Then the actual Timothee Chalamet showed up and gave [the winner] a hug. It was insane,’ Wilde said.
At least one shaggy-haired Chalamet lookalike was arrested at Washington Square Park
Miles Mitchell, 21, winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest, holds his trophy
Timothee Chalamet has caused chaos in New York by showing up to his own lookalike contest
The contest was widely advertised in New York City earlier this month, with a $50 prize up for grabs for the winner
Niege Borges, 34, also attended the contest in lower Manhattan.
She described the scenes to DailyMail.com as ‘chaotic and intense,’ with ‘people passionately screaming,’ as they voted for their favorite Chalamet.
On a makeshift stage, the look-alikes were asked about their romantic plans with Chalamet’s girlfriend Kylie Jenner.
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.’
After the cops moved in, members of the competition moved on to the Mercer Playground, where they launched a speed-dating session with female admirers.
The NYPD told DailyMail.com one person was arrested for disorderly conduct. They were bailed ahead of a court appearance.
Chalamet is best known for playing the protagonist in hit movies like Call Me By Your Name, Dune and Wonka.
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
Fans scrambled to get a shot of Chalamet at the doppelganger event in New York City