Jeremy Strong Reflects on Bruce Springsteen’s Influence in ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere’

LOS ANGELES, CA — Jeremy Strong has undergone significant transformations in his acting career, recently portraying Bruce Springsteen’s longtime manager, Jon Landau, in the biopic ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’. In a recent interview, Strong discussed the unique challenge of playing a living legend, as Springsteen himself was present on set.

“It’s like having an oracle that you can go directly to,” Strong said, reflecting on the experience of having Springsteen and Landau’s guidance. He dedicated extensive time to researching both figures, utilizing personal conversations and historical footage to inform his performance.

The film focuses on a tumultuous moment in Springsteen’s life as he created his acclaimed album ‘Nebraska’. While filming, Strong and co-star Jeremy Allen White, who plays Springsteen, immersed themselves in the intricacies of their characters’ relationships, particularly the emotional toll of Springsteen’s childhood experiences. “I spent time with Jon. I drilled him with questions,” Strong explained.

EMMY winner Stephen Graham, who portrays Springsteen’s father in flashbacks, praised Strong’s method, describing him as “like a magpie,” collecting details to enrich his performance. Strong noted that his approach to acting relies heavily on creating an immersive experience, indicating his desire that his character’s essence overtakes his own while working on set.

However, there are challenges that come with immersing oneself into such dark characters. “I was affected working on ‘The Apprentice’ because of how dark it was,” Strong admitted, referencing a previous role as Roy Cohn. He expressed a preference for projects that allow artistic exploration without bearing the weight of public scrutiny.

On the subject of Landau’s relationship with Springsteen during the making of ‘Nebraska’, Strong emphasized Landau’s role as a supportive figure, contrasting the traditional portrayal of managers in music biopics. Instead of being an obstacle, Landau serves as a grounding presence in Springsteen’s tumultuous life. He recalled a pivotal scene where Landau shares personal concerns for Springsteen’s well-being through music.

Reflecting on his preparation for the role, Strong disclosed it was crucial to delve into the infrastructural elements of Springsteen’s emotional landscape. He noted how the director’s insistence on authenticity created a powerful narrative that guided the story’s emotional tone.

“Nebraska is about confronting painful truths,” Strong explained, pointing out the significance of Springsteen’s exploration of family dynamics and personal struggles through music. The film portrays how Landau’s faith guided Springsteen to confront his internal conflicts.

‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ is set to hit theaters on October 24. As fans eagerly anticipate the film’s release, Strong’s transformation into Landau is seen as integral to capturing Springsteen’s legacy.