Rachel Zegler, known for her musical talents, auditioned for the role of Joan Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’, but the part ultimately went to Monica Barbaro, who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance. The selection process for the film’s cast, led by casting director Yesi Ramirez, became a pivotal topic when Zegler revealed her connection to Baez and her attempt at joining the acclaimed cast, drawing significant attention to the Rachel Zegler Joan Baez audition.
Behind the Scenes of Casting Decisions in ‘A Complete Unknown’
The work of casting directors like Yesi Ramirez often shapes a film’s trajectory, and their impact is increasingly being recognized—with the BAFTAs and, starting in 2026, the Academy Awards honoring their contributions. Ramirez was nominated for best casting at the 2025 BAFTA awards for assembling the team for ‘A Complete Unknown’, which included notable Oscar-nominated performances by Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez.
The casting process for the film was far from traditional due to the global pandemic, as Ramirez explained:
“when we were sent home with Covid, it just became self-tapes. Eventually, Zoom became a thing, but it was mostly self-tapes.”
Yesi Ramirez, Casting Director
This reliance on remote auditions was a challenge for both the casting team and the actors, with Ramirez reflecting on the changed dynamics, stating:
“It would’ve been easier in the room, giving notes to adjust.”
Yesi Ramirez, Casting Director
Zegler’s audition took place in this unconventional setting, and, as Ramirez suggested, the lack of in-person interaction opened the possibility that a different outcome may have occurred under typical audition circumstances. Ultimately, despite not landing the role, Zegler’s enthusiasm for Baez and her previous history with music related to Baez made her a compelling candidate.
Rachel Zegler’s Connection to Joan Baez and Musical Influence
Zegler has been open about her admiration for both Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, which informed her approach to her audition and shaped her musical style. In a virtual press conference cited by the San Francisco Chronicle, Zegler revealed that Baez’s interpretation of Dylan’s song inspired her portrayal of Lucy Gray in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.’ Zegler specifically cited,
“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,”
Joan Baez, Singer via Zegler
This inspiration came from the emotional complexity of the song, matching how she viewed her character’s spirit. Zegler noted the song’s tone:
“You just ruined my life, but it’s OK”
Joan Baez, Singer via Zegler
This shows how Baez’s legacy influenced both Zegler’s artistry and her connection to the role. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Zegler even shared a personal detail—her guitar is named Joan in tribute.
The Final Choice: Monica Barbaro’s Oscar-Nominated Portrayal
Although the Rachel Zegler Joan Baez audition was fueled by genuine passion and musical insight, Monica Barbaro was cast and ultimately delivered a performance acclaimed for its complexity. Barbaro’s portrayal of Baez was considered both edgy and ethereal, providing a striking counterpart to Chalamet’s Dylan and impressing Oscar voters. Zegler herself, reflecting on the outcome during the Blank Check podcast, stated, Monica was amazing, illustrating her respect for Barbaro’s performance and acceptance of the casting result.
The dynamic Barbaro brought to the screen resonated with audiences, as she effectively balanced admiration and frustration towards Dylan’s character. The synergy between Barbaro and Chalamet gave depth to Baez and Dylan’s relationship—an interplay that would have been different with a younger actress like Zegler, who is closer in age to Baez during the period depicted in the film.
The Lasting Impact and What Could Have Been
The question of what Rachel Zegler might have brought to the role remains a point of interest for fans and casting professionals alike. With Zegler’s continued rise through projects such as ‘West Side Story’ and ‘The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,’ she is earning recognition for her passionate performances. Monica Barbaro, on the other hand, has solidified her place as a leading actor with her Oscar-nominated turn as Baez.
These alternate casting scenarios ignite curiosity about how the film’s power dynamics and artistic energy might have changed, particularly with Zegler’s youthful exuberance and established admiration for Baez. While audiences will never know exactly what Zegler’s Baez would have looked like, the decision reaffirms the importance of casting in shaping iconic film moments.
‘A Complete Unknown’ is currently streaming on Hulu in the United States, allowing viewers to experience the celebrated ensemble of Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, and Monica Barbaro, and to reflect on the choices that bring these legendary figures to the screen.
