A new movie about the making of Bruce Springsteen‘s landmark 1982 roots album Nebraska, which was born from writing sessions for what would become the E Street Band’s chart-shattering Born in the U.S.A. album, has set its sights on The Bear star Jeremy Allen White to play the singer-songwriter.
Deadline reported that the actor is the “top choice” to play The Boss, although the article also notes that “negotiations haven’t begun with the actor.” So this may very well be news to White too. His rep did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The film, based on Warren Zanes‘ 2023 book Deliver Me From Nowhere, which chronicled the writing and recording sessions from this era of Springsteen’s career, is being adapted by writer and director Scott Cooper, best known for Crazy Heart, the 2009 musical drama that won Jeff Bridges the best actor Oscar, and last year’s Edgar Allan Poe historical mystery The Pale Blue Eye. His representative had no additional comment.
The Springsteen film is being produced by Scott Stuber, until recently the top film executive and Netflix, whom Deadline says is partnering with Ellen Goldsmith Vein and Eric Robinson of the management firm The Gotham Group.
Springsteen poses for a portrait in 1984 in Los AngelesAaron Rapoport/Getty Images
Nebraska is not only regarded as one of Springsteen’s finest albums, it’s also his personal favorite, recorded at a time of emotional turmoil. “If I had to pick one album out and say, ‘This is going to represent you 50 years from now,’ I’d pick Nebraska,” the singer told CBS News last year, touring the small house in Colts Neck, New Jersey, where he holed up to create it.