Jeremy Allen White, the Emmy-winning star of “The Bear,” is set to take on the role of Bruce Springsteen in the upcoming biopic “Deliver Me From Nowhere.” The film, directed by Scott Cooper, will delve into the creation of Springsteen’s iconic 1982 album “Nebraska.” White, who is known for his role as chef Carmy Berzatto in the FX comedy series, revealed in an interview with Variety that he might be doing his own singing for the film.
“We’re gonna try,” White said. “We’re gonna try our best.”
“Deliver Me From Nowhere” is based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 non-fiction book of the same name. The film will explore the New Jersey-born rock icon’s life during the making of “Nebraska,” an album that Springsteen recorded solo while grappling with fame, depression, and anxiety. The album, which includes tracks like “Atlantic City” and “Johnny 99,” is considered one of the most resonant and emotional works of Springsteen’s career.
White, who has yet to meet Springsteen, explained that this is a deliberate choice. “We’ve communicated a little bit through some other people, but I hope this still all comes together,” he said. “We’ve got some timing stuff to work out, and I’m trying to have a bit of my own process with it before meeting the man, too.”
The actor added that he wants to “try to have an understanding” of Springsteen’s life and music, “so when I meet him, I’ll have a bit of confidence somewhere in me to stand there.”
The film’s cast is rumored to include Paul Walter Hauser as Springsteen’s longtime guitar tech Mike Batlan and Odessa Young as a love interest. The project has generated significant buzz, with 20th Century Studios securing the rights after a competitive bidding war.
Springsteen’s “Nebraska” was his sixth studio album, released in 1982. The album was recorded on a 4-track recorder and was initially intended as demos for the E Street Band. However, Springsteen decided to release the stripped-down versions, which became a platinum-selling Top 5 hit. The album’s raw and introspective nature has made it a standout in Springsteen’s discography.
Warren Zanes’ book, which serves as the basis for the film, delves into the personal struggles and mental health issues that Springsteen faced during the making of “Nebraska.” The book describes the album as a reflection of the turmoil in both the country and Springsteen’s life, marking the beginnings of a mental breakdown that the artist would only discuss openly decades later.
Scott Cooper, known for directing films like “The Pale Blue Eye,” “Black Mass,” and “Crazy Heart,” will write the script and direct the biopic. Cooper has expressed his admiration for Springsteen and the impact of “Nebraska” on his work.
“I once read that ‘Nebraska’ is an album that moves you to the marrow of your bones. I couldn’t agree more,” Cooper said. “Bruce Springsteen, and ‘Nebraska,’ in particular, have had a profound impact on me and my work.”
Cooper added that the themes of despair, disillusionment, and the struggles of everyday Americans in Springsteen’s music have formed an unparalleled legacy. “Yet, amidst the darkness, a sense of resilience and a sense of hope shines through, reflecting an indomitable spirit,” he said. “That’s the Bruce I’ve come to know and love and will honor with this film.”
Springsteen and his manager, Jon Landau, are involved with the project, which will also reportedly feature songs from “The River” and “Born in the U.S.A.” Landau praised Zanes’ book and expressed confidence in Cooper’s ability to bring the story to the big screen.
“Warren Zanes’ ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere’ is one of the best books ever written about Bruce Springsteen and his music,” Landau said. “Bruce and I are thrilled that Scott Cooper has chosen to write and direct the film based on that book – we think he’s the perfect filmmaker for the job.”
As Jeremy Allen White prepares to step into the role of the legendary rock star, he is also busy with the third season of “The Bear.” The new season promises to let more characters and actors shine while maintaining the heart and energy of the show.
“We let a lot of these beautiful characters and beautiful actors shine that maybe haven’t had their moments in previous seasons,” White said. “The world gets bigger, but we also maintain the same heart, structure, energy that we had in the very beginning.”
White also praised his co-star Ayo Edebiri, who is making her directorial debut in the third season. “She did a beautiful job,” White said. “She was very confident. Everybody knows how smart she is, and she’s a beautiful actress and very intuitive actress. And I think she’s a very beautiful and intuitive director as well.”
With “Deliver Me From Nowhere” set to begin filming in New Jersey this fall, fans of both Jeremy Allen White and Bruce Springsteen have much to look forward to. The film promises to be a deep dive into one of the most pivotal moments in Springsteen’s career, brought to life by a talented team of filmmakers and actors.
Source: Variety, Rolling Stone, Deadline, ABC News
