Timothee Chalamet is getting ready to strut his stuff as a young Bob Dylan in a biopic on the celebrated singer-songwriter. The Dune actor has started shooting for the film A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold (Ford vs Ferrari, Logan). New photos reveal the 28-year-old star on the film set, wearing attire fitting the 1960s. He was clicked carrying an old guitar case, suggesting his character’s musical inclination.
The film will explore the early incarnation of Dylan as he first broke into the folk music scene in New York City and then started to integrate rock and roll into his music, angering many folk purists. It will also focus on the emergence of his first three classic albums, including Bringing It All Back Home, Highway 61 Revisited, and Blonde on Blonde. The movie is based on Elijah Wald’s book Dylan Goes Electric and has a script by Jay Cocks. It’s also been revealed that the pic will include cameos from Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Woody Guthrie, though it has yet to be confirmed who will portray them in the film.
Mangold, who also directed the recent Star Wars installments The Last Jedi and Untitled Han Solo film, has been known for his work on true-life stories. He has also helmed films about real-life figures like John Dillinger and James Earl Jones and the infamous prison break in 1963. Mangold has been working on the Dylan movie for years and recently told Collider that he’ll begin shooting in August. He’s also revealed details about the project, including that Chalamet will provide his vocals.
While it’s no surprise that Mangold is entrusting the role to a talented actor, some might think he’s planning to let Chalamet sing the part himself. The actor’s vocal coach, Eric Vetro, told PEOPLE that he’s prepared to give Chalamet “the voice of a lifetime.”
It remains to be seen whether the biopic will get made, but with such an incredible cast and director at work, it has the potential to be a worthwhile endeavor. The upcoming movie will also star Florence Pugh, Zendaya, and Dave Bautista.
