Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet sparked pandemonium by making a surprise appearance at his own lookalike contest in New York.
Flanked by bodyguards, Chalamet posed for photos with his high-cheeked, curly haired doppelgängers in Lower Manhattan on Sunday.
The well-attended event that drew an order to disperse from police and at least one arrest.
Some dressed as Willy Wonka and Paul Atreides - characters Chalamet has played in Wonka and the Dune blockbuster movies.
At times, adoring fans heaped their attention on the lookalikes, apparently thinking they were face-to-face with the real Chalamet.
The event, advertised on flyers around New York, was one of several hosted by YouTube personality Anthony Po.
As word spread on social media, thousands of people RSVP’d to the competition, which promised $50 (£38) to the winner.
I was behind the Timothee Chalamet lookalike competition. Thanks my #1 fan (timothee) for showing up. pic.twitter.com/ZfYkOBuTNB
— Anthony Po (@anthpo) October 27, 2024
But minutes after it began - and before the actor made his entrance - police ordered the large group to disperse from Washington Square Park, and organisers were slapped with a $500 (£385) fine for an “unpermitted costume contest.”
At least one contestant was taken away in handcuffs, though police did not immediately say why.
“It started off as a silly joke and now it’s turned pandemonium,” said Paige Nguyen, a producer for the YouTube creator.
Most of the wannabe-Chalamets and spectators relocated to another park.
On a makeshift stage, the look-alikes were asked about their romantic plans with Kylie Jenner, who Chalamet is rumoured to be dating.
They were also asked to demonstrate French proficiency and what they’d do to make the world a better place.
Eventually, Miles Mitchell, 21 - a Staten Island resident and college senior - was picked as winner by the audience.
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,” Mr Mitchell said. “There were so many good lookalikes. It was really a toss-up.”
