Jeremy Allen White becomes “Boss” in new movie, channeled Bruce Springsteenhis raw vulnerability in one of the most introspective chapters of his life.
The Emmy Award-winning “Bear” star stars in “Springsteen: Deliver Me Out of Nowhere,” out Oct. 24. The biopic strips away the stadium rock legend and reveals a deeply human artist.
“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know Bruce Springsteen’s name,” White said.
White had no experience singing or playing guitar before taking on the role, but that didn't stop director Scott Cooper – or Bruce Springsteen himself – from believing in him.
After speaking with Cooper, when White learned that Springsteen personally wanted him for the role, White said he immediately felt confident. Knowing that Springsteen had seen his work and believed in his abilities, he decided to take the plunge and commit himself fully to the transformation.
Preparing for the role involved months of intense training, from vocals to learning to play the guitar. White said he found unexpected confidence in the music itself.
“I sang his songs over and over again,” he said.
Springsteen served as an important resource throughout the project. White said their conversations went beyond the film itself and touched on personal experiences and emotional issues. During one discussion, Springsteen shared a story about a trip and a moment at a county fair when he had a panic attack. He described a feeling of detachment, as if he were simply observing his life, and this realization resonated deeply with White, who had dealt with similar feelings himself.
Through these exchanges, Springsteen encouraged White to bring his own emotions and perspective to the role, allowing him to fully empathize with the character's authenticity and vulnerability.
One of the most significant exchanges occurred when Springsteen gave White something priceless: freedom.
“One of the nicest things he did was he really allowed me to come to this,” White said.
The humanity behind “The Boss”
Cooper shaped the story around the making of Springsteen's Nebraska album, a period the musician called one of the darkest of his life. The film chronicles his struggle with depression and his difficult relationship with his father, who suffers from schizophrenia.
Springsteen remained heavily involved in the production, visiting the set several times but giving the filmmakers complete creative space. Cooper said his presence was supportive rather than intrusive, and said Springsteen made it clear that he would step aside if necessary. White recalled being aware that Springsteen was on the set, but said it never distracted him from the focus.
Springsteen later praised White for his performance, calling it a “deeply visceral psychological portrait” of his younger self, a compliment that stunned the actor.
“I still can’t believe it, you know, I don’t know. I still can't believe we started. I can’t believe he even gave us a blessing,” White said.
The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. The film has earned praise from psychologists for its emotional depth and ability to spark conversations about mental health, especially among men.
Cooper described it as more than just a biopic and said he hoped audiences would see it as a call for compassion and understanding.
“I guess if there's one thing I want people to take away from this movie, it's if you're struggling, if you're desperate and if you don't know how to get help, can't afford help, ask,” Cooper said.
