History of A Complete Unknown in Timeline

A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold, is a biographical musical drama chronicling Bob Dylan's journey from folk sensation to controversial figure due to his adoption of electric instruments. Based on Elijah Wald's 'Dylan Goes Electric!', the film stars Timothée Chalamet as Dylan and features a supporting cast including Edward Norton and Elle Fanning. The movie depicts Dylan's early career and the uproar surrounding his shift to electric music, a pivotal moment that would redefine his artistic path and popular music.

1961: Dylan's Arrival in New York City

In 1961, Bob Dylan hitchhiked to New York City to meet Woody Guthrie, who was suffering from Huntington's disease. Dylan met Guthrie in the hospital along with Pete Seeger, performed a song for Guthrie, and was invited by Seeger to stay with his family and was introduced to the New York City folk scene.

1965: Dylan and Sylvie's Separation

By 1965, Bob Dylan and Sylvie Russo had separated due to Sylvie's suspicions of Dylan's professional closeness with Joan Baez.

1965: Release of "Like a Rolling Stone"

In 1965, Bob Dylan released the single "Like a Rolling Stone". The film A Complete Unknown gets its title from the chorus of this song.

1965: Dylan's Experimentation with Electric Guitar

In 1965, Bob Dylan's desire to break free of expectations led him to experiment with electric guitar and rock instruments, a controversial direction within the folk scene. He began recording Highway 61 Revisited and the Newport Folk Festival planning committee worried about his divisive new sound at the upcoming event.

2005: Reference to Walk the Line

In 2024, Boyd Holbrook was cast as Johnny Cash in A Complete Unknown. Johnny Cash's life story had previously been told by Mangold in Walk the Line (2005).

2015: Publication of Dylan Goes Electric!

In 2015, the book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald was published. It served as the basis for the 2024 film A Complete Unknown, portraying Bob Dylan's transition to electric instruments.

Dylan Goes Electric!: The Inspiration for the Major Motion Picture A Complete Unknown

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2019: Disney's Acquisition of 21st Century Fox

In its second weekend, A Complete Unknown made $8.2 million, bringing its box office total to $41.8 million to surpass The Menu as the highest-grossing Searchlight title domestically after Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019.

January 2020: Mangold Announced as Director of Dylan Biopic

In January 2020, James Mangold was announced as the writer and director of a Bob Dylan biopic, initially referred to as Going Electric, centered on his switch to electric guitars, with Timothée Chalamet cast as Dylan.

November 2022: Chalamet Confirms Continued Involvement in Film

In November 2022, Timothée Chalamet confirmed he was still attached to the Bob Dylan biopic and actively preparing for it, indicating the project had regained momentum after a period of stagnation.

2022: Reference to Elvis film

In October 2023, Timothée Chalamet mentioned the team that worked on the 2022 film Elvis, starring Austin Butler. Chalamet utilized the same team for vocal and movement coaching in preparation for his role as Bob Dylan.

February 2023: Film Officially Titled A Complete Unknown

In February 2023, the Bob Dylan biopic was officially titled A Complete Unknown, and James Mangold was set to begin work on the project after finishing his obligations to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023).

April 2023: Mangold Announces Filming Start Date

In April 2023, James Mangold stated that principal photography for A Complete Unknown would likely begin in August 2023 in New York City and Montreal.

August 2023: Filming Postponed

In April 2023, it was announced that principal photography for A Complete Unknown was scheduled to begin in August 2023 in New York City and Montreal, but filming was postponed in July due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

October 2023: Chalamet Discusses Preparation for Dylan Role

In an October 2023 interview, Timothée Chalamet stated he was working with the same team of vocal and movement coaches that worked with Austin Butler for his performance in Elvis (2022) to prepare for his role as Bob Dylan.

January 2024: Edward Norton Cast as Pete Seeger

In January 2024, Edward Norton was revealed to be portraying Pete Seeger, replacing Benedict Cumberbatch in the role due to scheduling issues.

March 2024: Filming Begins for A Complete Unknown

Filming for A Complete Unknown began on March 16, 2024, with scenes set in New York City being filmed in Jersey City and Hoboken.

June 2024: Production Wraps on A Complete Unknown

Production for A Complete Unknown wrapped by late June 2024.

December 4, 2024: Release of Soundtrack Songs

On December 4, 2024, two songs from the A Complete Unknown soundtrack were released: "Like a Rolling Stone" by Timothée Chalamet and "Girl from the North Country" by Timothée Chalamet and Monica Barbaro.

December 10, 2024: Premiere of A Complete Unknown in Los Angeles

On December 10, 2024, A Complete Unknown premiered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marking the film's first public screening.

December 20, 2024: Soundtrack Album Release

On December 20, 2024, the soundtrack album for A Complete Unknown was released through Columbia Records.

December 25, 2024: Release of A Complete Unknown in the United States

On December 25, 2024, A Complete Unknown was released in the United States by Searchlight Pictures, initiating its theatrical run.

2024: Release of A Complete Unknown

In 2024, A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold, was released. The film is a biographical musical drama about Bob Dylan, starring Timothée Chalamet. The film's title is derived from Dylan's 1965 single "Like a Rolling Stone".

January 3, 2025: Limited IMAX Engagement

Beginning January 3, 2025, A Complete Unknown had a limited IMAX engagement.

January 15, 2025: Theatrical Preview in Paris

On January 15, 2025, A Complete Unknown had its theatrical preview in Paris.

January 17, 2025: UK Release of A Complete Unknown

On January 17, 2025, A Complete Unknown was released in the United Kingdom after its release in the United States in December 2024.

January 29, 2025: Release in France

On January 29, 2025, A Complete Unknown was released in the rest of France, following its theatrical preview in Paris on January 15.

February 2025: Screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam

In February 2025, A Complete Unknown was featured in the Limelight section of the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam.

March 27, 2025: Worldwide Gross

As of March 27, 2025, A Complete Unknown has grossed $74.9 million in the United States and Canada, and $59.9 million in other territories, for a worldwide gross of $134.9 million.

2025: Scheduled Release of Physical Soundtrack Formats

In 2025, the soundtrack album for A Complete Unknown is scheduled for release on physical formats, including a vinyl edition on January 24 and a CD on February 28.