Jeremy Allen White is on a roll, fresh off winning another Emmy for his breakout performance in the critically acclaimed series The Bear. But he's not slowing down. In fact, he’s gearing up for his next major project, one that could push his career into even greater heights—a biopic about the legendary rock star, Bruce Springsteen.
White, known for his powerful and emotional portrayal of troubled chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in The Bear, shared his excitement about the upcoming Springsteen biopic during the 2024 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. He took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series but seemed just as pumped to dive into his role as "The Boss." "I’m pretty excited to start this thing," White said during an interview after his win, as reported by People. “We’re going to start it pretty soon. You know, I don’t want to talk about it too much. It feels wrong before kind of getting there and starting the thing.”
While White remained tight-lipped about the finer details of the film, he did mention that Springsteen himself had been "really lovely and supportive" throughout the process. That’s got to be a major confidence booster—knowing the rock icon you’re portraying has your back. And it doesn’t stop there. Springsteen’s long-time manager, Jon Landau, is also involved in the project, making sure everything aligns with the authenticity that fans of both Springsteen and White will expect. “It’s such an extra joy that we have his support,” White shared. “And Jon Landau, who has a large role in the film as well. So, I feel really lucky, and yeah, we’re getting there.”
What’s the Biopic About?
The buzz around White’s portrayal of Bruce Springsteen isn’t just idle chatter. Back in March, Variety confirmed that White was in serious talks to play the iconic musician in a biopic titled Deliver Me From Nowhere. The film is based on Warren Zanes' 2023 non-fiction book of the same name, which focuses on the creation of Springsteen's 1982 album, Nebraska. Now, if you’re a Springsteen fan, you know Nebraska isn’t your typical rock album. It’s raw, stripped-down, and emotionally heavy—a stark contrast to the more bombastic Born in the USA, which came out just two years later.
The story behind Nebraska is as compelling as the music itself. While Bruce and the E Street Band were working on other songs, Springsteen recorded the entire album solo on a four-track cassette recorder. This decision was not just a creative choice but a reflection of a deep, personal turmoil. The 10-track record dives into darker themes, and according to Zanes’ book, the album was a manifestation of a mental and emotional breakdown Springsteen was going through at the time—something the artist only opened up about years after the album’s release.
The official description of Zanes' book reads: "Nebraska expressed a turmoil that was reflective of the mood of the country, but it was also a symptom of trouble in the artist’s life, the beginning of a mental breakdown that Springsteen would only talk about openly decades after the album’s release."
White’s Big Challenge: Singing as Springsteen
A critical aspect of any biopic about a musician is the music, obviously. White has already hinted that he’s ready to tackle this challenge head-on. “We’re gonna try our best,” White said when asked about doing his own singing in the film. It’s one thing to capture Springsteen’s voice and mannerisms, but another entirely to channel the raw, emotional energy of his music. Given White’s intense, layered performances in The Bear, fans are optimistic he’ll deliver.
But it won’t be easy. Springsteen’s voice is iconic—gritty, powerful, and uniquely his own. The role requires not just mimicking the sound but capturing the soul behind it. White’s commitment to authenticity, and the fact that Springsteen himself is supportive, suggests this will be a performance to watch.
The Role of Jon Landau—and Possibly Jeremy Strong?
As mentioned earlier, Springsteen’s manager Jon Landau will play a significant part in the movie. Landau’s influence on Springsteen’s career is monumental, and he’s more than just a behind-the-scenes figure. Some early reports suggest that Jeremy Strong, star of Succession, might be playing Landau in the film, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the project. Strong is known for his intense, methodical approach to acting, so if he’s indeed involved, it’s safe to say the film is bringing together some serious talent.
Springsteen’s Influence Still Felt Today
Even though the focus of the movie will be on Nebraska and Springsteen’s life during that period, it's impossible to overstate his ongoing impact on music and culture. Born in the USA, released two years after Nebraska, turned Springsteen into a global sensation. But it’s his ability to tap into the American experience—its dreams, struggles, and contradictions—that has solidified his place in rock history.
Springsteen’s music, much like Nebraska, is filled with stories of working-class struggles, personal demons, and the search for meaning in an often unforgiving world. Fans are excited to see how White will portray these deeply human elements of Springsteen’s character, especially during a time when the musician was grappling with so much internally.
Patti Scialfa's Health Journey and Springsteen’s Support
In an interesting and emotional sidebar, Springsteen’s wife, Patti Scialfa, has also been in the news recently. In a documentary, Scialfa opened up about her battle with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that affects the immune system. Diagnosed in 2018 while Springsteen was doing his Broadway run, Scialfa has had to adjust to a new normal. "Every once in a while, I come to a show or two, and I can sing a few songs on stage, and that’s been a treat," she said. "That’s the new normal for me right now, and I’m OK with that."
Scialfa, a member of the E Street Band since 1984, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2014. She and Springsteen have been married since 1991 and have three children together. Her resilience and ongoing involvement in music, even while managing her health, are yet another testament to the strength of the Springsteen family.
What’s Next?
With all these exciting pieces in place, the Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the next few years. White has already proven his acting chops, and now he’s taking on a role that will require not just talent but a deep understanding of an American icon. With Springsteen’s and Landau’s involvement, fans can expect a film that’s true to the spirit of The Boss and his incredible body of work.
And for those who love a good underdog story, this film will likely explore Springsteen’s climb from a New Jersey musician with a dream to a world-renowned rock star. Get ready for a journey through the heart of America, the complexities of the human spirit, and of course, some killer music.
Login