Why Joaquin Phoenix Didn’t Return As Johnny Cash Explained By Director

Director James Mangold addresses why Joaquin Phoenix was not considered to reprise his role as Johnny Cash in his Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown. The 2024 film traces the journey of a 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) as he arrives in New York City in the early 1960s, kickstarting his meteoric rise to fame and his transformation into a musical giant. However, in 2005, Mangold directed Walk the Line, depicting the life of country music legend Johnny Cash, who Phoenix portrayed. Cash appears in A Complete Unknown, but Narcos actor Boyd Holbrook takes on the role.

During an interview with Business Insider, Mangold explained that he tossed around the idea of bringing Phoenix back as Johnny Cash. However, he realized that Phoenix, now 50 years old, would have to portray a character in his 20s or 30s. Mangold said, “The thought occurred to me. But then I realized he’d be 20-30 years too old to be playing the part.” Mangold went on to explain why he didn’t consider de-aging Phoenix with technology or makeup:

Okay, but then what am I servicing? This kind of meta-movie universe stuff that has plagued us enough? I’m a big fan of making a movie and giving the public the movie. Don’t try to suture the movie to another movie, just own it. Otherwise movies just become this hyper-expensive television series in which we never stop making new episodes every couple of years.

What Mangold’s Casting Decision Means For A Complete Unknown

It Helps The Movie Stand On Its Own

Mangold’s casting choices in A Complete Unknown reflect a larger commitment to grounding the movie in a historical context rather than creating a multi-universe by linking it to previous films. Instead of deciding on Phoenix to reprise his role as Cash, Mangold reinforces the film’s standalone identity. This strategy allows room for new interpretations of familiar figures like Johnny Cash to emerge, as seen with Holbrook’s portrayal of the country music star in relation to Dylan.

Additionally, Mangold’s decision to avoid de-aging technology speaks to the production team’s dedication to accurately depicting Dylan’s story. CGI de-aging has often been criticized for its artificiality, with many moviegoers finding the results to be uncanny. His choice not to rely on such techniques prioritizes a more genuine portrayal of the character. More so, it emphasizes the natural progression of the characters’ lives and careers, ensuring the story feels organic and unforced.

For Dylan’s overarching narrative, selecting a younger actor to play Cash introduces a visual and thematic consistency that is crucial for portraying the early 1960s. Such choices ensure the story’s focus remains on Dylan’s relationships, a focal point of the film’s plot, rather than being overshadowed by comparisons to another actor’s previous work.

Our Take on Mangold’s Vision for Bob Dylan’s Biopic

The Director Made The Right Call In Casting Holbrook

James Mangold’s decision to cast a different actor over Phoenix demonstrates his respect for Bob Dylan’s story along with a commitment to artistic integrity. By prioritizing authenticity and historical fidelity over recognizability, A Complete Unknown positions itself as a thoughtful recount of Dylan’s life and career. His approach may help redefine how interconnected narratives are approached in biographical filmmaking.

Source: Business Insider