Bob Dylan is throwing his support behind Timothée Chalamet as the actor prepares to portray the legendary singer in the upcoming biopic A Complete Unknown. The 83-year-old icon shared his excitement for the film in a post on X (formerly Twitter), just three weeks before its theatrical release.
“There’s a movie about me opening soon called A Complete Unknown (what a title!),” Dylan wrote. “Timothée Chalamet is starring in the lead role. Timmy’s a brilliant actor, so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me.”
The film, directed by James Mangold, is based on Elijah Wald’s book Dylan Goes Electric, which explores the pivotal moments of the early 1960s, including Dylan’s controversial performance at the Newport Folk Festival. Dylan recommended that viewers read the book after watching the film to gain a deeper understanding of the events depicted.
A Complete Unknown focuses on Dylan’s early life and meteoric rise to fame in the 1960s. The film stars Chalamet as Dylan, with Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Edward Norton, and others in supporting roles. Co-written by Mangold and Jay Cocks, the film has generated significant buzz ahead of its release.
Chalamet’s portrayal of the folk-rock legend has already earned him praise from his co-stars. Fanning, who plays Sylvie Russo (a character inspired by Dylan’s early muse Suze Rotolo), spoke highly of his performance at The Wrap’s 2024 WrapWomen Power Women Summit. “I remember tearing up” when she first heard Chalamet sing as Dylan, Fanning said. “Seeing him accomplish this character in such a beautiful way was moving.”
Chalamet also received recognition for his work in the film at the Gotham Awards, where he was honored with the Gotham Film & Media Institute’s Visionary Tribute award on December 2. “I’m grateful to everyone who poured themselves into this project,” Chalamet said in his acceptance speech. “Getting to study and immerse myself in the world of Bob Dylan has been the greatest education a young artist could receive.”
A Complete Unknown is set to hit theaters on December 25, giving audiences the chance to experience Chalamet’s take on one of the most influential figures in music history.
