A Complete Unknown cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the Bob Dylan biopic?

James Mangold's directorial A Complete Unknown, a biopic of the legendary icon of music Bob Dylan, was released last Christmas. Prominent actor Timothée Chalamet portrayed the role of Bob Dylan and the film received rave reviews upon its release. It received an IMDb rating of 7.6/10 and an aggregate of a whopping 81% on Rotten Tomatoes.

A Complete Unknown has also been honored with several nominations at the Golden Globes, the Academy Awards, as well as at BAFTA.

A Complete Unknown is based on the life and times of Bob Dylan. It traces back to the time when he was a young man full of dreams. Gradually, he makes it big in the world of music. It gives us a deep insight into his life events that transform the face of the music forever.

The synopsis of A Complete Unknown as per IMDb reads:

"In 1961, an unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York City with his guitar and forges relationships with musical icons on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking performance that reverberates around the world."

Along with Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown has an incredible cast of actors including Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, Monica Barbaro, Dan Fogler, Boyd Holbrook, and many others.

Let us explore details about the cast, as well as the compelling characters of A Complete Unknown.

A Complete Unknown cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the Bob Dylan biopic?

1) Timothée Chalamet as 'Bob Dylan'

Timothée Chalamet has impeccably essayed the role of the iconic singer and songwriter Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. He has successfully captured the nuances of the legendary musician's journey as a 19-year-old to become one of the biggest musicians ever.

His role in A Complete Unknown garnered him another nomination at the Academy Awards, in the category of Best Actor.

The Golden Globe and BAFTA nominated actor Timothée Chalamet is incredibly known for his work in films and series. Some of his prominent works include Lady Bird (2017), Beautiful Boy (2018), Little Women (2019), and the Dune film series (2021, 2024), amongst many more.

2) Elle Fanning as 'Sylvie Russo'

Elle Fanning has essayed the role of Sylvie Russo, the romantic partner of Bob Dylan during his initial days, in A Complete Unknown. It is a fictionalisation of artist Suze Rotolo.

The Golden Globe-nominated actor Elle Fanning has previously worked in films and series, including Ginger and Rosa (2012), Maleficent (2014), Mary Shelley (2017) and The Great (2020-2023).

3) Edward Norton as 'Pete Seeger'

Eminent actor Edward Norton has portrayed the role of the legendary folk musician Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown.

For this role, Norton has received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

He was a guiding force for Bob Dylan at the beginning. The character of Pete Seeger and his relationship with Bob Dylan go through immense transitions in the film.

The Golden Globe-winning actor Edward Norton is distinguished for his work in films and series. Some of his works include Primal Fear (1996), The Italian Job (2003), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), Birdman (2014), and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022).

4) Monica Barbaro as 'Joan Baez'

Monica Barbaro portrays Joan Baez, a folk musician as well as a romantic partner of Bob Dylan.

For her outstanding portrayal in this role, she has received a nomination at the Academy Awards, in the category of Best Supporting Actress.

Monica Barbaro has previously starred in films and series including The Good Cop (2018), The Cathedral (2021), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), and At Midnight (2023), amongst many more.

5) Dan Fogler as 'Albert Grossman'

Dan Fogler has appeared in A Complete Unknown in the role of Albert Grossman. The manager of Bob Dylan, Albert Grossman mentors him, helping Dylan achieve success.

Dan Fogler is known for his previous work including Kung Fu Panda (2008), Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (2016), The Offer (2022), and The Walking Dead (2018-2020, 2022).

6) Boyd Holbrook as 'Johnny Cash'

Boyd Holbrook as 'Johnny Cash' in a still from 'A Complete Unknown' | Image via @Youtube/SearchlightPictures

Boyd Holbrook essays the role of the celebrated musician Johnny Cash, sporting a stylish avatar in A Complete Unknown.

Johnny Cash is a friend of Bob Dylan in the film.

Boyd Holbrook is well distinguished for his roles in movies and series including Narcos (2015-2016), The Sandman (2022-present), and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), to name a few.

The rest of the promising cast members of A Complete Unknown include: