Despite strong performances and significant buzz, A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet, failed to crack the top five in its opening weekend. Premiering on Christmas Eve, the James Mangold-directed film earned $11.6 million over the weekend, bringing its domestic total to $23 million after factoring in holiday earnings. While impressive for a Searchlight Pictures release, it wasn’t enough to overcome fierce competition from big-budget blockbusters and other new arrivals.
A Crowded Box Office Weeken
The post-Christmas weekend was packed, with 11 films grossing over $1 million each at the domestic box office. Topping the charts were Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ($38 million) and Mufasa: The Lion King ($37.1 million), both dominating family-friendly audiences. Meanwhile, Nosferatu, Robert Eggers’ gothic horror film, landed at No. 3 with $21 million, more than doubling A Complete Unknown’s weekend total.
In contrast, Babygirl, an A24 psychological thriller starring Nicole Kidman, opened with $4.3 million, coming in at No. 6—just behind A Complete Unknown. While the Dylan biopic comfortably outperformed Babygirl, it fell short of Nosferatu’s impressive debut, highlighting the competitive nature of the weekend.
Searchlight’s Rising Star
Despite its lower ranking, A Complete Unknown is on track to become one of Searchlight Pictures’ top performers. Currently among the studio’s three highest-grossing titles domestically, it needs less than $20 million to surpass The Menu and Poor Things to claim the top spot. This milestone could come sooner than expected if the film maintains its momentum through the quieter weeks of January.
A Stellar Cast and Oscar Buzz
Timothée Chalamet delivers a captivating performance as Bob Dylan, earning early Oscar buzz alongside co-star Edward Norton. Monica Barbaro shines as Joan Baez, adding depth to the film’s exploration of Dylan’s early career. Supporting roles from Elle Fanning, Scoot McNairy, and Boyd Holbrook (as Johnny Cash) further enhance the ensemble. James Mangold, who previously helmed Walk the Line and Logan, directs with a steady hand, blending historical accuracy with cinematic flair.
What’s Next for ‘A Complete Unknown’?
While A Complete Unknown didn’t make the top five, its $23 million domestic haul signals strong audience interest. With positive word of mouth and critical acclaim—especially for Chalamet’s performance—the film could see steady growth in the coming weeks. The quieter January release slate, coupled with its awards season potential, may give it the runway needed to cross $40 million domestically.
For now, A Complete Unknown continues to resonate with fans of Dylan’s music and biographical dramas alike. Its path may be less explosive than Sonic the Hedgehog 3, but its long-term potential could still make it a box office success.
“Follow the money, follow the story.”
