Timothée Chalamet’s path to embodying Bob Dylan in *A Complete Unknown* has been a prolonged one, with the actor embarking on his role preparation five years ago.

In a guest appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, Chalamet disclosed that his involvement with the project commenced in 2019, before the onset of the pandemic. Nevertheless, like numerous other productions, the film faced delays due to COVID-19. During this pause, Chalamet worked on two *Dune* films, yet he persisted in sharpening his abilities for the Dylan character, which involved practicing guitar — even while filming *Dune*.

As a special gift for fans, Chalamet shared a behind-the-scenes video with Colbert. The footage features him fully attired in Paul Atreides’ formal garb from the initial *Dune* film, playing Bob Dylan’s “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry.” He playfully remarked that his rendition included “some *Dune* lyrical variations by me.”

* A Complete Unknown* is scheduled to premiere in theaters exclusively on Dec. 25.