‘We’re Not Your Average Timothée Chalamet Groupies.’ Oscar Isaac Admits His Dune Co-Star Told Him On Set He’d Be Playing Bob Dylan And He Thought It Was A Horrible Idea… At First

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As a long-time aficionado of both Hollywood and folk music, I must admit that when I heard Timothée Chalamet was taking on the role of Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s upcoming film, “A Complete Unknown,” my initial reaction mirrored Oscar Isaac’s skepticism. I mean, Dylan is a legend, an icon, and a voice that has been etched into our collective consciousness for decades. To embody such a figure would be a feat for even the most seasoned of actors.

Timothée Chalamet’s versatile abilities have earned him admiration in Hollywood, yet some industry heavyweights initially had reservations about his participation in a challenging new project. Oscar Isaac, a co-star from the upcoming film “Dune,” confessed he was doubtful when Chalamet expressed interest in playing music legend Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s forthcoming movie “A Complete Unknown.” The skepticism didn’t stem from doubts about Chalamet’s acting skills, but rather from the difficulty of capturing the essence of a figure as revered and unique as Dylan.

According to People, Isaac, who handed Chalamet and Mangold the Visionary Tribute Award at the 2024 Gotham Awards, looked back on the time he discovered the project while filming one of the most memorable sci-fi movies. This significant event unfolded in the trailer of the Wonka performer, where actors such as Josh Brolin and Steven McKinley Henderson also received the news. As Isaac recounts it, the Ex Machina actor learned about the project within his trailer’s confines.

He began discussing his upcoming project, which was a movie directed by James Mangold featuring a young Bob Dylan arriving in New York City in 1961. My initial reaction was that it seemed like an ill-advised concept. For me, Dylan is sacred ground, so the idea just didn’t sit well with me.

It’s understandable that assuming the character of such an esteemed individual would be a challenging, almost Herculean endeavor. Notably, Isaac, who identifies as a Dylanologist, has some insight into portraying a folk singer active during the 1960s, having previously played one in the critically acclaimed film about a fictitious musician, “Inside Llewyn Davis.

What transpired next, surprisingly, transformed my initial skepticism into a hushed awe. The Moon Knight actor shared an interesting tale about his young co-star whipping out a guitar, aiming to share his latest work with us. As a Star Wars veteran, I must admit, I winced at the sight, but then Timothée started strumming Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country.” He went on to say…

This tune is deeply ingrained in me, right down to my core… And Josh, Steven, and I aren’t your everyday fans of Timmy Chalamet. We’re seasoned movie aficionados. We’ve been through a lot… I cast a glance at Steven, who’s grinning ear-to-ear, and he simply nods, ‘Yup,’ as the three of us continue to observe this young talent tapping into something enigmatic. And that’s what folk music is all about. As Llewyn Davis so wisely said, ‘If it remains fresh even after countless iterations, it’s a folk song.’

If the performance by Timothée Chalamet as Dylan in the Little Women film doesn’t reassure both anxious Dylan fans and skeptical critics, I’m not sure what else would. Given his convincing portrayal of a seasoned actor in that role, I am confident he will excel in the upcoming biopic, making it highly probable that the movie will secure some Oscar nominations.

In an incredibly detailed manner, the actor portraying Beautiful Boy has diligently prepared for his role as Dylan over a span of five years. His preparations included refining his musical skills, mastering Dylan’s unique behaviors, and immersing himself in the 1960s cultural environment. The upcoming movie A Complete Unknown, scheduled to hit theaters on December 25, 2024, will depict Dylan’s early journey to fame, with a focus on his significant move to New York City and his trailblazing choice to adopt electric guitar.

Very soon, you’ll have the opportunity to witness Timothée Chalamet’s spot-on Bob Dylan portrayal alongside A Complete Unknown. Meanwhile, before that, don’t miss out on him and Oscar Isaac sharing screen time in Dune, a film you can stream with a Max subscription.

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2024-12-04 19:07