Timothée Chalamet, the 29-year-old heartthrob, transformed his body for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. The Oscar-nominated actor revealed he packed on 20 pounds for the part. “I did all the work… physicality, behavior-wise,” Chalamet said during a January 20 interview. “But I also put on 20 pounds because, believe it or not, I was thinner than Bob Dylan.”
The revelation took fans by surprise, but Chalamet explained it was necessary. “You had to fatten up to become Bob Dylan“.
A full transformation
The actor is no stranger to hard work. In preparation for this demanding role, he had to embody Dylan’s entire persona. “I had to sing like Dylan, talk like him, play guitar like him, even walk and move like him,” Chalamet shared. It wasn’t just about the physical changes—it was a full transformation.
A five-year process
The biopic tells the story of Dylan’s early career in the 1960s. Chalamet dove deep into Dylan’s world for five years, perfecting his voice, guitar skills, and harmonica playing. “This is a movie about folk music and folk musicians. The authenticity needs to be felt,” Chalamet said, emphasizing that live singing was crucial for the film’s raw energy.
Interestingly, despite all the prep work, Chalamet never met Dylan in person. However, Dylan did show his support for the project in December 2024, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Timothée Chalamet is starring in the lead role. Timmy’s a brilliant actor, so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me.“
Chalamet couldn’t contain his excitement when he saw the post. “THANK YOU BOB!!!! DREAM COME TRUE!!!!” he posted on his Instagram Story, making it clear how much the approval meant to him.
Critical acclaim
The film, which also stars Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro, premiered in December 2024. Chalamet’s performance caught the attention of critics and audiences alike. He was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Dylan.
Though Chalamet has yet to meet the 83-year-old music legend, he expressed how he would approach such an encounter. “I would just say thank you. Not for the role, but for your work,” he said, recognizing Dylan’s profound impact on the music world.
Body image struggles in Hollywood
Before landing the role of Dylan, Chalamet had to navigate Hollywood’s obsession with body types. Early in his career, he faced pressure to gain weight to fit the typical leading man mold. “If I auditioned for The Maze Runner or Divergent, the feedback was always, ‘You don’t have the right body,’” he recalled in a 2024 interview with Zane Lowe. “I had an agent who told me I needed to put on weight.”
Rather than changing his physique for big-budget blockbusters, Chalamet stuck to artistic films like Call Me by Your Name, Lady Bird, and Little Women. These smaller, more personal projects allowed him to find his rhythm and confidence. “These were the films where I found my flow,” he explained.
A career milestone
Chalamet’s dedication to his craft paid off. A Complete Unknown marks a significant career milestone, showcasing his range as an actor. Fans and critics alike are in awe of his transformation for the role. Whether playing the young Dylan or bringing his own version of the icon to life, Chalamet’s performance is nothing short of remarkable.
The movie is currently in theaters, and Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan is already being hailed as one of his best performances to date.
