With the release of Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere just weeks away on October 24, Jeremy Allen White is drawing rave early buzz for his portrayal of the Boss himself. The film, directed by Scott Cooper, dives into the turbulent making of Bruce Springsteen's 1982 album Nebraska, a raw, acoustic project born from personal demons and creative isolation. White, fresh off his Emmy-winning run on The Bear, tackles the role with a gritty intensity that has insiders calling it a career pivot.
Indeed, the New York City premiere on September 29 brought together White and the real Springsteen, who appeared alongside him on the red carpet. Photos captured the two in animated conversation, a moment that underscored the project's authenticity. Springsteen has publicly endorsed the film, praising White's commitment during a recent interview. "It's unusual seeing someone else live your life," he remarked, hinting at the emotional weight of reliving those formative years.
Jeremy Strong, no stranger to complex characters from Succession, plays Springsteen's longtime manager Jon Landau with a steely resolve. Their on-screen dynamic—mentor guiding a tormented artist—mirrors the real-life bond that propelled Springsteen's rise. Clips from the trailer show White belting out gravelly vocals on stage, a feat he prepared for meticulously, even as he admitted initial nerves about singing the icon's songs. The supporting cast, including Paul Walter Hauser and Odessa Young, adds layers to this intimate biopic, which clocks in at a taut runtime focused on that pivotal creative burst.
However, not everything is seamless. Critics at Telluride, where it premiered on August 29, noted the film's deliberate pacing sometimes borders on brooding, reflecting Springsteen's own introspective style. Still, early reviews hail it as a thoughtful tribute, avoiding the glossy pitfalls of music biopics past. White himself spoke of the role's demands, revealing how Springsteen's history of panic attacks resonated with his own experiences, forging a deeper connection.
Moreover, the movie arrives amid Springsteen's ongoing tour, amplifying its timeliness. As audiences gear up for this slice of rock history, one wonders how White's take will redefine the legend for a new generation.