Jeremy Allen White, fresh off his Emmy-winning run as a stressed-out chef in The Bear, is now tackling the role of rock legend Bruce Springsteen in the upcoming film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. Directed by Scott Cooper, the movie dives into the making of Springsteen's raw 1982 album Nebraska, a period when the Boss was grappling with fame's heavy toll. It's based on Warren Zanes' book, and White's portrayal has already sparked buzz since the first trailer dropped back in June.
Indeed, White isn't alone in this high-stakes project. Jeremy Strong, known for his intense turn as Kendall Roy in Succession, plays Springsteen's longtime manager Jon Landau, the man who helped shape his career during those turbulent years. The cast also includes Paul Walter Hauser, Stephen Graham, and Odessa Young, adding layers to the story of artistic struggle and personal demons. Filming wrapped earlier this year, and with the world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in late August, early reviews have praised White's gritty transformation—though some wonder if he can capture Springsteen's gravelly voice without it feeling like mimicry.
However, the real excitement built around the New York City premiere on September 29, where White and the actual Bruce Springsteen showed up together, drawing crowds and flashing cameras. Springsteen himself has given the film his blessing, even chatting with White about the era's pressures, including panic attacks that mirrored the star's own battles. Moreover, White admitted in interviews that he grew up idolizing Springsteen but never sang his songs aloud until prepping for this role. It's a bold move for an actor who's become synonymous with modern angst, now channeling '80s rock rebellion.
The film hits theaters on October 24, just weeks away, promising a mix of music, drama, and that elusive authenticity fans crave from biopics. Yet, as White embodies the working-class hero, one can't help but question if Hollywood can truly deliver the soul of such an icon without simplifying the chaos.