Director James Mangold thinks multiverses are the ‘death of storytelling’

The ‘A Complete Unknown’ director stated, “I don’t do multiverses.”

James Mangold, known for his work on the X-Men and Indiana Jones franchises, is currently focused on his upcoming Bob Dylan film, A Complete Unknown. 

Despite his experience with franchise films, Mangold is steering clear of the multiverse concept for this project. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Mangold addressed speculation regarding the film’s teaser, which features Timothée Chalamet, who plays Dylan, with a note from Johnny Cash. 

The speculation suggested a possible multiverse crossover, similar to Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Johnny Cash in another film.

Mangold dismissed these notions, stating, "I don’t do multiverses. But beyond that, Johnny Cash was like, 30. I love Joaquin, but he’s not 30, or whatever Johnny was at this moment. 

They’re both young people in that moment in life. It’s weird that I’ve even worked in the world of IP entertainment, because I don’t like multi-movie universe-building. I think it’s the enemy of storytelling. The death of storytelling. It’s more interesting to people the way the Legos connect than the way the story works in front of us."

Mangold emphasised his focus on creating a unique narrative experience for A Complete Unknown, rather than integrating Easter eggs or references to other films. He wants the movie to resonate emotionally rather than intellectually. 

Although the film does not yet have a release date, Mangold hinted that it could premiere as early as December. The film stars Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, Elle Fanning as his girlfriend Sylvie Russo, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger.