Why Timothee Chalamet Was Not the First Choice for Bob Dylan’s Biopic? Find Out

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As a lifestyle expert with decades of experience in the entertainment industry, I must say that Timothee Chalamet‘s transformation for the role of Bob Dylan is nothing short of remarkable. However, it seems that the legendary musician had other ideas initially. Billy Dee Williams and Mickey Rooney, both iconic figures in their own right, were reportedly on Dylan’s wish list for portraying him in a biopic. Given their age at the time, one might speculate that Dylan was perhaps joking or simply expressing an affection for these actors from a bygone era.

Timothée Chalamet is gearing up for another round of award contention with his portrayal of iconic musician Bob Dylan in the upcoming biopic “A Complete Unknown.” Despite the buzz generated by the film’s trailer, it seems he wasn’t initially the first pick for the part.

Initially, Dylan didn’t select Chalamet for the part, despite his significant transformation for the role and seeking advice from other Hollywood actors. Discover below who was the original pick for the role and what the film depicts.

Who had Bob Dylan chosen to portray him in his biopic?

Apart from feeling privileged that a biographical film about his life is being produced, Dylan is thrilled to be alive to watch this adaptation unfold on the big screen. In an interview with Interview Magazine back in 2012, when asked who he would prefer to see portraying him in a potential biopic, Dylan mentioned Billy Dee Williams and Mickey Rooney as two actors he found suitable for the role.

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In the Star Wars series, Williams is best known for playing Lando Calrissian, which seems unusual if he were to portray Dylan in a biography. Fans assume his suggestion might have been a jest due to this unexpected connection. Meanwhile, Rooney was interviewed while in his nineties and died two years afterward.

About Bob Dylan’s biopic A Complete Unknown

Under the direction of James Mangold, the movie titled “A Complete Unknown” is inspired by Elijah Wald’s 2015 book, Dylan Goes Electric!. This film delves into the uproar caused by Bob Dylan’s shift towards using electrically powered instruments.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the vibrant New York music scene in the ’60s, chronicling Bob Dylan’s extraordinary journey from a 19-year-old folk singer in Minnesota to packed concert halls and chart-topping success. His music and enigmatic persona captivated audiences worldwide, reaching its zenith with his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.

The movie’s preview came out a week ago, specifically on July 24th, and it’s planning to hit theaters in December 2024, right at the start of the award season.

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James Mangold talks about Bob Dylan’s involvement in the film

In the summer of 2023, Mangold openly discussed A Complete Unknown during a chat for an episode on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. During this interview, the director shared that Dylan had offered guidance on the scriptwriting and has been a strong advocate for the film. Known as the License to Kill singer, Dylan is heavily involved in the biopic because, according to Mangold, it’s not your standard “from birth to death” movie.

Instead, the narrative primarily focuses on a specific phase in Bob Dylan’s life, when at seventeen years old, he embarked on a journey to New York with just about sixteen dollars. The main objective was to introduce young Dylan to the singer-songwriter, Woody Guthrie. Mangold’s decision to capture these early stages of his career appeared particularly suitable for an outstanding biopic.

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2024-08-02 18:07