Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning Spotted Filming Bob Dylan Biopic in New Jersey

Actors Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning were seen filming scenes for the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic 'A Complete Unknown' in New Jersey this week. Chalamet, 28, was spotted embodying the legendary singer-songwriter, carrying a guitar case and a cup of coffee, while Fanning, 26, played the role of Dylan's love interest Sylvie Russo.

The film, directed by James Mangold, is based on Elijah Wald's book 'Dylan Goes Electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties' and will focus on Dylan's early years in New York City and his involvement with the 1960s folk scene, including his controversial switch to an electrically amplified sound. Chalamet has been given access to some of Dylan's unreleased music and is singing in the movie, showcasing his musical talents.

Chalamet was also spotted on set with his co-star Monica Barbaro, who plays Dylan's girlfriend Joan Baez. The pair were seen playing music and singing for a crowd, recreating scenes from the 1963 Monterey Folk Festival and the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where Dylan famously went electric.

The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Edward Norton as folk singer Pete Seeger. Director Mangold has consulted with the 82-year-old Dylan during the filmmaking process and has stated that the film's themes of tribalism and rules around music and self-expression still have modern-day relevance.

Production on the film was initially delayed due to the 2023 entertainment industry strikes but has since commenced this past March. 'A Complete Unknown' is not a traditional biopic but rather an ensemble piece about the early 1960s New York music scene and the people who helped launch Dylan into stardom.

In an interview, Chalamet's vocal coach Eric Vetro praised the actor's singing abilities, saying he can "turn on a dime" and switch between different characters and voices. Vetro, who also worked with Austin Butler for 'Elvis', has been helping Chalamet prepare for his portrayal of the young Dylan.

'A Complete Unknown' is expected to film in New Jersey through June, including locations like Mountainside, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Cape May. The film does not yet have a release date but is highly anticipated by fans of both Dylan and Chalamet.

Key Takeaways

• Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning filming Bob Dylan biopic 'A Complete Unknown' in New Jersey.
• Chalamet portraying Dylan, singing his unreleased music; Fanning playing his love interest Sylvie Russo.
• Film directed by James Mangold, based on Elijah Wald's book about Dylan's electric transition.
• Impressive ensemble cast including Nick Offerman, Boyd Holbrook, and Edward Norton.
• Film expected to film in New Jersey through June, no release date yet.