Timothée Chalamet’s career has been far-reaching and impressive, from an eccentric chocolatier to a cannibal in love to a magically-gifted duke. His latest role as Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown is no different!

This long-awaited biographical film is set to show a crucial piece of American musical history through Dylan’s rise to fame, as well as his becoming one of the greatest musicians of all time. Releasing on Christmas Day of 2024, the story is mostly under-wraps, but here is what is known for sure!

The movie follows 19-year old Bob Dylan and his initial arrival in New York City from Minnesota in hopes of starting a musical career. With a guitar in hand, and “like, two dollars in his pocket” (Mangold, during a red-carpet interview in April 2023), he sets out to find work. In this early 1960s era, he forms his closest relationships, grows restless with the folk movement, and makes a controversial decision whose impact is felt all over the world.

Acting alongside Chalamet, Elle Fanning portrays Silvie Russo, largely inspired by Dylan’s real-life former girlfriend Suze Rotolo. Boyd Holbrook will play Johnny Cash, and Monica Barbaro will play a young Joan Baez. Also, Edward Norton portrays the fellow folk musician Pete Seeger.

Now, one thing that has taken the audience by surprise is that Chalamet can really sing! His own voice is used to portray the folk singer, and the similarities are uncanny. There are absolutely no cover vocals, which makes sense given Chalamet’s dedication to his career. In an interview in December 2023, he confirmed that 70% of the soundtrack has been recorded and that he was sent 12 hours of unreleased Bob Dylan music from 1959 to 1964 to help him prepare.

Overall, this movie is set to be one of the best films of the year! Fans can’t wait for its release, and for this beautiful and inspirational story to be brought to life. If you’re as excited as people all over the nation, don’t hesitate to watch the trailer included above!