A surprising revelation from Jeremy Strong sheds light on his unique acting process for the upcoming biopic Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, where the energetic 1993 hit “Whoomp! (There It Is)” played a crucial role in shaping a pivotal scene, far from Bruce Springsteen’s signature sound.
In the highly anticipated musical biopic, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, the iconic sound of Bruce Springsteen might not be the only music influencing its stars. Jeremy Strong, known for his intense dedication to his roles, recently disclosed a surprising musical choice that powered a pivotal moment in the film where he portrays Springsteen’s longtime manager and producer, Jon Landau.
The Scene’s Secret Weapon: A Jolt of Euphoria
During an Entertainment Weekly “Around the Table” video series, writer-director Scott Cooper probed Strong about the unconventional track that fueled a key scene. “What were you listening to the first time we got the mastering correct?” Cooper asked, referring to a moment requiring intense emotional resonance. Strong’s answer sent ripples of surprise and understanding through the discussion.
“I wanted it to be a moment of real exhilaration and almost euphoria, so I asked them to put on ‘Whoomp! (There It Is),’” Strong replied, referencing Tag Team’s iconic 1993 hip-hop single. He added, “And when that came on, it really — it does it every time. If you put it on right now!” Jeremy Allen White, who embodies Springsteen in the film, quickly chimed in, “Joy, every time.” Cooper echoed the sentiment, stating, “Every time I see that scene, I think of that. It’s amazing.” This unexpected choice highlights Strong’s commitment to finding the precise emotional frequency for his performance, even if it means stepping outside the expected musical landscape of a biopic.
Strong’s Method: Finding Intuitive Paths to Reality
This revelation offers a window into Jeremy Strong’s renowned method acting. He praised Scott Cooper’s directorial approach, which grants actors the freedom to pursue “whatever it takes” to make a scene truly “sing.” Strong elaborated on his philosophy, explaining, “Sometimes you have to find intuitive ways to make something real.” This approach aligns with his broader acting methodology, where he often seeks deep immersion.
In an interview with L’Officiel, Strong once shared parallels between his craft and Bruce Springsteen’s creative philosophy. “Bruce is on my mind a lot,” he confessed, noting how Springsteen discusses the depth one can inhabit a song. Strong sees his role in a film as his “song,” striving for complete embodiment within the character. This dedication explains why a seemingly disparate track like “Whoomp! (There It Is)” could be instrumental in achieving a moment of authentic euphoria for his character, Jon Landau.
The Heart of ‘Nebraska’ and the Actor’s Challenge
Deliver Me From Nowhere, based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 book of the same name, delves into a pivotal period for Bruce Springsteen as he grappled with his past, present, and future while creating his raw, introspective 1982 album, Nebraska. Strong himself is a profound admirer of the album. In an interview with NME, he shared his enduring connection: “Something about Nebraska just always spoke to me. There’s a melancholy to it. There’s a narrative to it that comes from a very deep place in him and you can feel that.”
However, despite his deep respect for Nebraska, Strong found it “impossible to be listening to Nebraska in those takes.” He clarified, “I picked other songs that would just wash over me and affect me in a certain way that I didn’t see coming and couldn’t possibly prescribe.” Cooper understood this creative necessity, reasoning, “Because you had heard Nebraska so many times,” indicating that over-familiarity could diminish the fresh emotional impact needed for a scene.
The Ensemble’s Dedication to Authenticity
The commitment to authenticity extends throughout the cast. Jeremy Allen White, fresh off his awards-sweeping run in The Bear, underwent a significant transformation to embody Springsteen during this intense period. As White revealed in a Vogue interview, Springsteen himself persuaded him to take on the role, even without prior singing or guitar training. White was drawn to the script’s focus on a Springsteen “looking over the edge and questioning so many things, doubting so much and living in fear.”
The film captures the quiet intensity of Springsteen’s world during this time, partly filmed in Colts Neck, New Jersey, the very town where Nebraska was born. Springsteen reflected on this period with ABC News, noting, “music was the first way that I really medicated my anxieties and my depression… it was the other 21 [hours of the day] that were killing me.” The dedication of actors like Strong and White, combined with Cooper’s collaborative vision, aims to bring this profound chapter of Springsteen’s life to the screen with unprecedented depth.
Anticipation for the Biopic’s Theatrical Release
With its unique blend of method acting, collaborative direction, and a deep dive into a seminal album, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere promises a compelling cinematic experience. The film also stars Paul Walter Hauser as guitar tech Mike Batlan, Stephen Graham as Springsteen’s father Doug, Gaby Hoffmann as his mother Adele, and Odessa Young as fictional love interest Faye. The biopic is set to hit theaters on October 24, inviting audiences to witness the creative crucible that forged one of music’s most haunting albums.
