Advance tickets for 20th Century Studios’ “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” the captivating film from award-winning writer, director, and producer Scott Cooper, are now available for purchase wherever tickets are sold.

Link to purchase tickets here.

The film chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album. Recorded on a four-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom, the album marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works—a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe. Starring Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen, the film is directed by Scott Cooper from his adaptation of Warren Zanes’ book of the same name. “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” also features Jeremy Strong as Springsteen’s long-time confidant and manager, Jon Landau; Paul Walter Hauser; Odessa Young; Stephen Graham; Gaby Hoffman; David Krumholtz and Matthew Pellicano Jr.  

The film is produced by Cooper, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson and Scott Stuber. Tracey Landon, Jon F. Vein and Zanes executive produce. The film includes an original score by composer Jeremiah Fraites, cinematography by Masanobu Takayanagi, production design by Stefania Cella, costume design by Kasia Walicka-Maimone, and is edited by Pamela Martin.

“Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” releases exclusively in theatres in IMAX and premium screens everywhere October 24, 2025.  

By Mr. Will Wong

One of this Fall’s most eagerly-anticipated films is none other than Scott Cooper‘s SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE. The Biopic actually began filming shortly after Cooper’s (Black Mass, Crazy Heart) father had passed away, and his father in fact had introduced him to Springsteen‘s acclaimed 1982 album NEBRASKA. Never before had the souls and hearts of blue collar workers ever been encapsulated so perfectly in music until this Album. Hence, it is poetic that this Film, which touches upon Bruce Springsteen reconciling his past and also the father-son-like relationship between manager Jon Landau and the icon himself, is ready to leave its mark in the world.

We are delighted sit-in on press conference with the Creators and lead Actors of SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE:

Jeremy Allen White (“Bruce Springsteen”)
Jeremy Strong (“Jon Landeau”)
Scott Cooper (Director)
Moderator: Warren Zanes, author of “Deliver Me From Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska”

Triple Golden Globe and Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White talks about his approach in becoming Bruce Springsteen in this Film, and also filming in Colts Neck, New Jersey.

White: This was really about getting getting close to a man who was trying to find peace at home and in his creative process, searching for and finding inspiration. Once I started approaching Bruce Springsteen as man rather than a god, that’s when I found my footing. One of the other big moments – above the task of portraying a very well-known man – was learning to sing and play guitar as best as I can. When I was in Nashville at RCA, I felt a real closeness to Bruce and I’ve been lucky with a few characters I’ve played to have experienced this as we had this shared experience, since I really had to learn a skill. I got to be in a recording space singing words that aren’t mine – but learned – trying to make them my own. I had a real breakthrough in Nashville, a real kinship.

It all felt very sacred. l know the history of the rooms and town and for Bruce to have witnessed it all. it was great responsibility to tell this. Not just portraying a real person, but moments that happened… air that was breathed… moments that are real. There was something very fragile and delicate for me in performing some of these moments, especially in Colts Neck and the recording process. And Bruce’s moments alone. There was a lot of fragility in him as well, for both of us. There’s a real softness in trying to recapture these moments.

Director Scott Cooper talks about the great honour of collaborating with his personal hero, Bruce Springsteen on this Film.

Cooper: It was daunting. Bruce was so giving, so open and checked-in frequently. I never wanted to make a film only about Bruce Springsteen, I wanted to make a film about a man who happens to be Bruce Springsteen. The Film really touches upon his unresolved trauma and Bruce was so open to it, telling me things he’s never told anyone, things he’s never disclosed. It felt like a great bill of honour and love from Bruce. Aside from the Film, he showed me such generosity that goes well beyond friendship. I’m so grateful for the permission to have such an honest piece of work. This entire collaboration from Bruce to these guys, to the crew was one of highlights of my life.

Golden Globe and three-time Emmy winner Jeremy Strong talks about building a father-son-like bond with Jeremy Allen White in their portrayals of Landau and Springsteen, respectively.

Strong: I understand the dynamic between them existed in the early days with their arms around eachother and smiles on their faces. I could feel that love, connection, and bond. I think in terms of planning how to do that, you don’t think about the camera being there. You just enter into something and the rest comes out, so we didn’t have to talk about that or do anything. It’s just there.

White:: Yes, it was clear and we didn’t need to talk about it before. It was clear in the Book, the Script and over the years. There was trust that we’d been in our own corners, understanding what we needed to understand, that when we came together, the love, loyalty, responsibility to one another was important, but that came out naturally.

Strong: Jon was like a garden and Bruce was like an exotic flower. He had a sensitivity to the conditions and environment. I had to ask, ‘What does he need to flourish and grow?’. So I had a sense of that protection towards the story. You don’t perform today, you just do it. Does that make sense?

I see a fellow Actor who’s up against something tremendous, so all I had to do is allow part of myself to feel real care towards him and that helps me understand something about Jon the way Jeremy allowed me to. That’s how you create that dynamic.

Cooper comments on what lasting themes he hopes the audience will take away from SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE.

Cooper: I always endeavored to explore themes that are somewhat more difficult. Addiction. Racism. Mental health and illness. Reconnection with family estrangement. All these are things we are grappling with and I like to think intellectually about things. What I’m most concerned with is emotion, how they’re gonna feel and relate. I want to make a film that I would want to see on a Friday night and two, a film the audience can see themselves in.

What is heartening is the power of Cinema – when some people approach you on the street and say ‘Thank you, Scott. Thank you for showing us that two estranged men can come together… my father never told me he loved me, he never told me he was proud of me… my son suffers form mental illness…. I hope he can see this Film.'”.

20th Century Studios Canada release SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE in theatres October 24, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

Last night, the stars and filmmakers from 20th Century Studios’ “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” celebrated the film at the 63^rd New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall. Stars Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, Stephen Graham, Odessa Young, Gaby Hoffmann, Matthew Pellicano Jr., David Krumholtz and Harrison Sloan Gilbertson attended the event alongside writer/director/producer Scott Cooper, producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robertson, and Scott Stuber, and executive producer Warren Zanes. They were joined by Bruce Springsteen, and his longtime manager, Jon Landau, who are portrayed in the film by White and Strong, respectively.  

After the screening, attendees of the star-studded premiere – including Anne Hathaway, Whoopi Goldberg, and Gayle King – were treated to a surprise performance by Springsteen. Cooper, the cast, and the legendary rock icon were greeted by a rapturous response from the crowd, who all stood enthralled during Springsteen’s surprise intimate performance of “Land of Hope and Dreams.”    

The film chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album. Recorded on a four-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom, the album marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works—a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe.  

 “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” releases exclusively in theatres in IMAX and premium screens everywhere October 24, 2025.   

Today, 20^th Century Studios unveiled an all-new trailer for Scott Cooper’s highly anticipated film, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.” Following its stellar reception at the Telluride Film Festival, the film currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

“Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album. Recorded on a 4-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom, the album marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works—a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe. 

“‘Nebraska’ is where Bruce chose truth over expectation—a choice that still reverberates through everything he’s written since. At that crossroads, he could have chased the bright lights and the roar of arenas, but instead he turned inward, armed only with silence, a four-track recorder, and the courage to confront himself. For him to trust me with telling that story—the most vulnerable chapter of his life—is the greatest honour I’ve ever had as a filmmaker,” says Cooper.

“This film takes a couple years out of my life and looks at them very closely, a time when I made ‘Nebraska’ and went through some personal difficulties,” says Springsteen. “I’m so appreciative of Jeremy Allen White and the entire cast for their wonderful and moving performances—and Scott Cooper, one of the most generous collaborators I’ve ever worked with.”

Starring Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen, the film is directed by Scott Cooper from his adaptation of Warren Zanes’ book of the same name. “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” also features Jeremy Strong as Springsteen’s long-time confidant and manager, Jon Landau; Paul Walter Hauser as guitar tech Mike Batlan; Odessa Young as Faye; Stephen Graham as Springsteen’s father, Doug; Gaby Hoffman as Springsteen’s mother, Adele; and David Krumholtz as Columbia executive, Al Teller. 

The film is produced by Cooper, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson and Scott Stuber. Tracey Landon, Jon F. Vein and Zanes executive produce. The film includes an original score by composer Jeremiah Fraites, cinematography by Masanobu Takayanagi, production design by Stefania Cella, costume design by Kasia Walicka-Maimone, and is edited by Pamela Martin. “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” will be in theatres October 24. 

The all-new feature film, 20th Century Studios’ “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album, a raw, haunted acoustic record that marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works.

Director Scott Cooper, who wrote the script for the screen based on the book “Deliver Me from Nowhere” by Warren Zanes, said, “Making ‘Springsteen’ was deeply moving as it allowed me to step inside the soul of an artist I’ve long admired – and to witness, up close, the vulnerability and strength behind his music. The experience felt like a journey through memory, myth, and truth. And more than anything, it was a privilege to translate that raw emotional honesty to the screen, and in doing so, it changed me. I cannot thank Bruce and Jon Landau enough for allowing me to tell their story.”

From 20th Century Studios, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album when he was a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom, struggling to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past. Recorded on a 4-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom, the album marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works—a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe.

Starring Jeremy Allen White as the Boss, the film is written for the screen and directed by Scott Cooper based on the book “Deliver Me from Nowhere” by Warren Zanes. “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” also features Jeremy Strong as Springsteen’s long-time confidant and manager, Jon Landau; Paul Walter Hauser as guitar tech Mike Batlan; Stephen Graham as Springsteen’s father, Doug; Odessa Young as love interest, Faye; Gaby Hoffman as Springsteen’s mom, Adele; Marc Maron as Chuck Plotkin; and David Krumholtz as Columbia executive, Al Teller. Arriving only in theatres October 24, 2025, the film is produced by Cooper, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson and Scott Stuber. Tracey Landon, Jon Vein, and Zanes executive produce.

Production is underway on “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” the eagerly anticipated movie adaptation of Warren Zanes’ fascinating telling of the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album. Slated for theaters in 2025, the film is written and directed by Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart,” “Hostiles,” “Antlers,” “Black Mass”) and stars Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear,” “The Iron Claw,” “Shameless”) as the visionary musician as he embarks on an emotional journey to record “Nebraska.”

“Beginning production on this film is an incredibly humbling and thrilling journey,” said Cooper. “Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska’ has profoundly shaped my artistic vision. The album’s raw, unvarnished portrayal of life’s trials and resilience resonates deeply with me. Our film aims to capture that same spirit, bringing Warren Zanes’ compelling narrative of Bruce’s life to the screen with authenticity and hope, honouring Bruce’s legacy in a transformative cinematic experience. It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with Bruce and Jon [Landau] as I tell their story, and their creative energy fuels every part of this journey. As well, I’m excited to reunite with my friend, David Greenbaum [president, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios], as he embarks on his new role at Disney, adding another layer of inspiration to this project.”

White has won consecutive Golden Globe®, SAG, Critics’ Choice and Emmy® Awards in the past two years for his performance in FX’s hit series “The Bear.” Joining White in “Deliver Me from Nowhere” are a host of talented, award-winning performers.

· Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice,” “Succession”), who’s an Emmy-, Golden Globe-, Critics’ Choice-, SAG Award®- and Tony®-winning actor, stars as Springsteen’s long-time mentor and manager, Jon Landau.

· Paul Walter Hauser (“Black Bird,” “Richard Jewell”) portrays guitar tech Mike Batlan.

· Odessa Young (“Mothering Sunday,” “The Staircase”) is young Faye, a formative love interest in Springsteen’s life.

· Sir Stephen Graham (“Young Woman and the Sea,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”) plays Springsteen’s father.

· Johnny Cannizzaro (“Quantum Leap,” “Jersey Boys”) joins the cast as The E Street Band member Stevie Van Zandt.

The development of “Nebraska,” which followed Springsteen’s 1981 “The River Tour,” marked a pivotal time in his life, one that he would only openly talk about decades after its release. It’s regarded as a landmark in his musical odyssey and a source of inspiration for a generation of artists and musicians. Recorded on a 4-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom and without The E Street Band, “Nebraska” is considered one of Springsteen’s most enduring works—a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe.

Among the most recognized South Jersey natives, Springsteen maintains a huge footprint at the Jersey Shore, frequenting local shops, pizza parlors, pubs, restaurants and music venues. Filming for “Deliver Me from Nowhere” will take place primarily in locations in New Jersey and New York, with additional production in Los Angeles.

Cooper produces with the Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein (“The Maze Runner” trilogy, “Juror #2”) and Eric Robinson (“Kodachrome,” “Last Days”), who developed the project with Cooper. Scott Stuber (“Frankenstein,” “Ted,” “Safe House”) also produces. Tracey Landon (“Maestro,” “Amsterdam”), who recently worked with Cooper on “The Pale Blue Eye,” and Warren Zanes are executive producing.

Today, Disney+ released the trailer for the highly anticipated, upcoming Original documentary film “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band,” premiering Friday, October 25, 2024 exclusively on Disney+ in Canada.

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band offer the most in-depth look ever at the creation of their legendary live performances – sharing fly-on-the-wall footage of band rehearsals and special moments backstage – as well as hearing directly from Springsteen on the topic. Fans get the chance to experience professionally shot footage from the 2023-2024 tour for the first time ever – while following the band through their one-of-a-kind preparation process, and onto performances for tens-of-thousands across continents.

“Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band” was directed by Springsteen’s longtime collaborator, Emmy® and GRAMMY® Award winner Thom Zimny, and produced by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Thom Zimny, Adrienne Gerard, and Sean Stuart.

Now through September 27, new and returning customers can stream the biggest movies and series of the fall with Disney+ Standard With Ads for only $1.99/month for three months. To learn more or sign-up visit www.disneyplus.com.

20th Century Studios and Disney will produce and distribute Deliver Me From Nowhere, the feature film that explores the making of Bruce Springsteen’s classic 1982 album Nebraska. Based on the book Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska (Crown; May 2023) by Warren Zanes, the film will benefit from the involvement of Bruce Springsteen and his manager Jon Landau.

Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Hostiles) will write and direct the film. Emmy® winner Jeremy Allen White is in talks to star. The Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein (The Maze Runner trilogy) and Eric Robinson, Cooper, Zanes and Scott Stuber are producers. Production on the film is expected to begin this fall.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime honour to be collaborating with Bruce Springsteen, an inspiring and incomparable artist who represents so much to so many,” said David Greenbaum, president, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. “The deep authenticity of his story is in great hands with my friend Scott Cooper whom I am thrilled to be collaborating with once again.”

“Warren Zanes’ Deliver Me From Nowhere is one of the best books ever written about Bruce Springsteen and his music,” said Springsteen’s longtime manger Jon Landau. “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. Scott, with Producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Eric Robinson at The Gotham Group, and Scott Stuber are bringing together a superb team to ensure that this project has the vision and soul that have been the hallmark of Bruce’s 55-year career. We’re thrilled to have the wholehearted commitment and support of the entire team at 20th and Disney.”

“When we first read Warren Zanes’ brilliant book, we knew there was a beautiful film to be made that captured the portrait of an iconic artist as a human being at a crucial moment in his artistic life,” said Goldsmith-Vein and Robinson in a joint statement. “We also knew there was only one filmmaker who could translate this story to cinema with verve and poetry, and that was Scott Cooper. Bruce Springsteen is the cultural chronicler for several generations and through his art he’s contributed so much to our understanding of the human journey. Working with Bruce and Jon Landau and master storyteller Scott Cooper in partnership with Scott Stuber and our friends at 20th and Disney to bring this tale to global audiences is a privilege beyond measure.”

“I once read that Nebraska is an album that moves you to the marrow of your bones. I couldn’t agree more,” says Cooper. “Bruce Springsteen, and Nebraska, in particular, have had a profound impact on me and my work. Through themes of despair, disillusionment, and the struggles of everyday Americans, Bruce has formed an unparalleled legacy, painting an unflinching portrait of the human condition. Yet, amidst the darkness, a sense of resilience and a sense of hope shines through, reflecting an indomitable spirit. That’s the Bruce I’ve come to know and love and will honor with this film. Warren Zanes’ wonderful telling of this chapter in Bruce’s life is ripe for cinematic adaptation. This film has the potential to be a transformative cinematic experience, offering audiences a window into the soul of Bruce Springsteen and the universal truths that bind us all together.”

In a guest column for The New York Times earlier this year, author Warren Zanes wrote “As a teenager, I felt as if ‘Nebraska’ was telling me a few things, but one of them in particular stuck with me: ‘You can do this, it said’…Nebraska was dirty, kind of mumbled in sections, its hushed tones punctuated by a few screams; it told scary stories. But it felt so close to the world I lived in. It was a recording I listened to, and I never felt left out. There are times when we need that kind of art. I’d say now is one of them.”

About Nebraska: The natural follow-up to Springsteen’s hugely successful The River was widely expected to be a rock album with The E Street Band. Instead, in 1982, Springsteen released Nebraska, a stark solo album recorded on a 4-track recorder. The book and the film tell the fascinating story of Springsteen’s artistic journey in the creation of the album, which is regarded as a landmark in his musical odyssey and a source of inspiration for a generation of artists and musicians.

Scott Cooper is repped by CAA and attorney Darren Trattner of Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein. The Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Eric Robinson are represented by CAA and attorney George Davis. Bruce Springsteen is repped by Landau, Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks; Warren Zanes by CAA. Scott Stuber is repped by attorney Craig Jacobson of Hanson, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman.

If there was ever a year that contained highs and lows for me, 2019 was that year. My heart was broken losing my best friend and companion Billy in March. Since then there have been good days and bad days. I try to keep myself occupied always as it keeps my mind off things and I’ve decided this was the way I would cope. The Holidays this year will be extra tough and while I appreciate people quick to comment, “Just get another dog, you have so much love to give”, it really isn’t that easy. I am touched by the donations on Billy‘s behalf, the flowers we received, the thoughtful tokens and sentiments. Those helped.

I am in a different place than I was 16 years ago when I first got Billy. Life is much more hectic for me now and I didn’t have to be there as much for my parents as I do now. So to those who are concerned, the day will come when I will open my heart again to the possibility of pet parenting, but it isn’t just yet.

On that note, I also feel that we really don’t do enough to support people mourning pet loss. At work, employees get Bereavement Leave when they lose an immediate human family member and can get accommodations for mental wellness if deemed supported by the employer. But when it comes to a pet whom we love just as deeply and experience just as much pain when they’re gone, there are no formal regulated measures in place. In fact, with that being said, it is easy to feel embarrassed and ashamed for grieving a pet because it is so institutionalized that losing human lives is so much more important than losing an animal life. Pets are dependents and provide affection, support and routine in one’s life. When a pet ails, the heart aches just as much as it does as when a family member or a friend is ill. And when a pet goes, the disruption in one’s flow is dramatic. Just think about that for a sec.

The year while marred by some sadness, contained several happy moments that I will never forget. In addition to celebrating our tenth anniversary as a Blog, we met more heroes than we could’ve dreamed, saw great Films, enjoyed some great Music.  These are things that no amount of unhappiness could erase. Thank you to our Readers and Team Mr. Will – Dave, Jonathan, Justin, George, Amanda and Siobhán for all your continued loyalty and all you give so generously.

I always look forward to sharing with you my favourites of the year, and here are my Best-Of 2019.

Marriage Story
Knives Out
Uncut Gems
Hustlers
Rocketman
Joker
Bombshell
Jojo Rabbit
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
Little Women

Juice – Lizzo
Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift
Old Town Road (Diplo Remix) – Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
Lover – Taylor Swift
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
Good as Hell – Lizzo
Sweet But Psycho – Ava Max
Hey Look Ma, I Made It – Panic! at the Disco
Dancing with a Stranger – Sam Smith ft. Normani
7 Rings – Ariana Grande

TORONTO RAPTORS
I’ll admit it, I know little about Basketball but for that one moment in time that night in June, every Torontonian was a die-hard fan! 2019 was Toronto’s year and no one can ever take that away from us. The City has never been more united and I’m so happy despite it being gruelingly-hot, I was able to skip away from work thanks to my boss, and take-in the 2019 Toronto Raptors Championship Parade. You never forget a moment like that. Eight hours under the scorching sun on University Avenue.  Screaming children who didn’t want to be there. People budding ahead of you. But the moment the Raptors came through, none of that mattered.

One unassuming night waiting on a friend arriving on an L.A. flight, I’d cross paths with basically all them Raptors. All of them came passing through the terminal returning back from their exhibition games in Tokyo. I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was like being in one of those rooms with the dollar bills spiraling in the wind around you on a game show. Slam Dunk!🏀

CÉLINE DION
Céline not only is a national treasure, she is an Artist I’ve loved for many, many years. While power ballads haven’t always remained in-vogue, her Music has stood the test of time. My Heart Will Go On helped me cope with losing Billy and I like to think of meeting Céline as Billy‘s gift to me from beyond. Seeing her on her Courage World Tour finally for the first time, my heart wept. Only she can make me laugh hysterically and bring a tear to my eye in the span of four minutes. Such a blessing getting to meet my Heroine (the only one I didn’t have a photo-with yet other than Mariah!), even if I waited till 2 AM for it to happen on a frigid night in Toronto! I felt like death shortly after, but I’m alive! See what I did there?

RENÉE ZELLWEGER
Bridget Jones’s Diary is the reason I got inspired to Blog. She defined an era in my life as did Renée Zellweger. Seeing her at TIFF ’19 for JUDY was a bright spot in my life and getting to chat with her gorgeousness is something I will never forget. At the risk of being one of those annoying people who see like one movie a year and cry “Oscar!”, I actually mean it and you better be ready for a complete domination this Awards Season. Internet trolls, let’s see who gets the last laugh now!

J-LO
Who wasn’t obsessed with Jennifer Lopez in the early 2000s? Everyone calls Auld Lang Syne their New Year’s song, but sorry! Waiting for Tonight is all about 12/31 to me and always will be! Lorene Scafaria‘s HUSTLERS is the bomb and anyone who thinks otherwise sucks. It is about women taking back what’s theirs, owning-up to their mistakes and surviving to tell us about the juicy details. If that’s not empowerment, please step aside, I don’t need your negative energy! J-Lo and Constance Wu killed it.

Will never forget meeting J-Lo after hearing her and her Castmates speak at a Panel about the female voice, in support of the Film. Buy and download HUSTLERS now.

CONSTANCE WU
It’s okay sister, I got you! I’m not going to go on about how much Constance owned my 2018 with CRAZY RICH ASIANS because that’s so 2018, but meeting her and J-Lo after blessing us with that beautiful performance in HUSTLERS? I was a dummy for not stocking-up on Lotto 6/49 tickets that night!

LIZZO

This time last year I would’ve been, “Who-zzo?!?”. LIZZO slayed my 2019 with her excellence and one-by-one I saw the world become believers. I discovered her Music seeing her performance at Coachella on YouTube and became obsessed. I paid top-dollar for a ticket to her Danforth Music Hall Show which was long sold-out, grabbed that Meet & Greet lanyard and have never booked back. That was money well-spent seeing her twerk all up my face front row 🍑 and collectively with the sold-out crowd, be moved to tears by her inspiring words. I still don’t know how Truth Hurts became a #1 hit before Juice, but okay! CUZ I LUV YOU is essential listening. You. will. not. regret. buying. this. Album.

TOM HANKS
Never mind that I look like I’m losing control of my bladder in this pic and mysterious age lines that came from nowhere. This man of grace and legendary stature was kind enough to acknowledge me and that is enough. “I’m not going to pose for your Selfie, but I will walk by verrryyyy slowly.”. These are words spoken by Tom to me which I will repeat over and over in my head like a mantra till I die.

STEVEN SPIELBERG
Oh how nice, you got a Selfie with Kendall Jenner. Who cares!? This is the Selfie any self-respecting human being wants. LEGEND. ICON. KING MASTERMIND. Yes, I know, blurry as sh*t. Not even Remini could save this, but I got it. That was a night in New York at the Saturday Night Live Afterparty I’ll never forget!

SCARLETT JOHANSSON
We’ve all criticized some of Scarlett‘s choice of roles. 2019 was the year I’ve decided that Scarlett should be absolved of all casting sins as she more than redeemed herself with a mesmerizing performance in Noah Baumbach‘s MARRIAGE STORY, my personal fave of 2019. I am still traumatized from that fight scene with Adam Driver. I don’t care what Critics say about that part ruining the Movie – it was perfect, it was passion, it was ACTING! And if it weren’t for damn Renée and her brilliance, it would be the Year of Scarlett. She also is a delight in JOJO RABBIT. See both. Scarlett is notoriously-tough on Selfies, but she was amazing to give me a smile and a wave at the New York Film Festival Premiere of MARRIAGE STORY. Close enough!

MERYL STREEP
Okay, this really is pushing it as it doesn’t really count as a Selfie so much as it is her looking the same direction as me, but I’ll take it. but being in Meryl Streep‘s presence at her Premiere for THE LAUNDROMAT was an uplifting experience. We’ve waited so long for her to come to TIFF after having cancelled her last appearance in 2013 for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY and it finally happened. What a goddess!

DANNY DEVITO
So humbled we got a bit of face time with screen veteran Danny Devito back in March in support of Disney’s DUMBO. I’ve never had a more giving, gracious interviewee. He was personable, gave us rich and thoughtful responses. So happy our Dave Baldwin and I could share that together!

RON HOWARD
Totally dating myself, but I spent a lot of my school breaks being entertained on TV by Ron Howard, whether it be The Andy Griffith Show or Happy Days reruns. Okay, sure he’s directed Masterpieces like A BEAUTIFUL MIND, CINDERELLA MAN, SPLASH, APOLLO 13 and FROST/NIXON but in my heart he’ll always be Richie Cunningham and Opie!

RAMI MALEK
Okay, enough time has passed where I can admit that I just didn’t love BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. For one, it irks me how key things in Freddie Mercury‘s life like his sexuality were muted, when that was actually a big part of his life and persona. That being said, none can be detracted from Rami‘s flawless Oscar-winning performance. This Snap was taken at Chateau Marmont just one night before he took the gold. Don’t let others fool you, it gets cold in L.A. at night!

KRISTEN STEWART
OMG. I almost died when she said “yes” to the Selfie. I have been obsessed with K-Stew forever. Let me make it clear, I never fully got TWILIGHT, but it is her body of work including PERSONAL SHOPPER, CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA, PANIC ROOM, ON THE ROAD, THE RUNAWAYS and even more recently CHARLIE’S ANGELS, that I love. I’m sure many have wanted her to disappear but she’s not going nowhere, babe! She just keeps churning-out some outstanding work.

GLENN CLOSE
I could’ve swore it was Glenn‘s year at the Oscars. So lovely meeting this brilliant Thespian receiving her final award of last Awards Season for THE WIFE and the Independent Spirit Awards. Her adorable Havanese baby Pip was with her to receive the honour!

PAUL RUDD
I have loved Paul Rudd for years now and knowing he never comes to Toronto, New York Comic Con was that rare chance finally to see him! Love that he’s looking like himself and he’s every bit as friendly as you’d think! But then again, this was a paid Photo Op…

VICTORIA BECKHAM
I am one of those people who freaks out every time there is a Spice Girls reunion rumour circulating on Twitter and then go frowny-faced when I realize it’s only “the four of them”. Victoria was in Toronto doing good for Camp Oochigeas and giving her beauty line a plug. It was beyond cold, but so goddamn worth it. Is that a smile I see? 😊 That’s the magic of Mr. Will!

EDDIE MURPHY
Umm. So I won’t repeat what Victoria thinks about Eddie Murphy (Google it), but this does not erase how I feel about him as an Entertainer. Thrilled to see Eddie make his resurgence with DOLEMITE IS MY NAME and a triumphant return to the stage on Saturday Night Live this Holiday season.  He delivered me many age-inappropriate thrills in my younger days with BEVERLY HILLS COP, COMING TO AMERICA and BOOMERANG. But it was DREAMGIRLS that made me truly appreciate his artistry.

TIFFANY x DEBBIE GIBSON
Seriously, ten-year-old me is still freaking-out.  Former Teen Pop Idol rivals Tiffany and Debbie Gibson rocked my world as a kid. To see them join forces in this Photo Op as part of NKOTB‘s Mixtape Tour, was epic!  Who’d ever have known just a few months later I’d get invited to introduced Tiffany on-stage at her show at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts? I’m so busy running through life sometimes that I forget to appreciate things like this.

BOWEN YANG
This Funnyman came out of nowhere to steal the show. Bowen is the best thing to happen to Saturday Night Live in quite some time! Better yet, he has the distinction of being the first American-Asian Cast member in the star-making Program! Cheers to diversity!

BRENDON URIE
Our airwaves continue to be dominated by PANIC! AT THE DISCO and we are so stoked we got this Snap with the Band’s Frontman Brendon Urie in New York this October! It was a complete surprise! It wasn’t easy but he posed and made sure I got it. If you haven’t heard their contribution to the FROZEN 2 Soundtrack, INTO THE UNKNOWN, you must. Mind-blowingly-powerful vocals from Urie!

KRISTEN BELL
And while we’re on the topic of FROZEN 2, we were so delighted Toronto got its own Fan Event for the Film in November! We deserved it! On Cloud Nine we got to chat with star Kristen Bell, nabbing a signature Team Mr. Will Selfie with Anna herself!

JA RULE
It’s okay, Ja! We know Fyre Festival wasn’t your fault. You’re forgiven. The things we’ve all done for a bit of cash 🙄… doo-doo-doo… Don’t look at me like you’ve never “taken one for the team”! That’s right, move along now!

STING
So yeah, it’s super-awkward when you’re at the office pouring some water into your bottle and someone’s like “Oh! I saw on BlogTO you met Sting!“. Well, thank you Toronto for thinking my Selfies are culturally-relevant. You’re welcome!

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
2019 was low-key The Boss‘ year. He had his Western Stars album and Documentary arrive and also BLINDED BY THE LIGHT was a love letter to his amazingness. Although I loved him as a kid, this was a year I was reminded once again to appreciate his amazing catalog of Music. Born to Run, Born in the USA, Dancing in the Dark, Lonely Hearts, Glory Days. Timeless. Seeing him at TIFF ’19 was great and he was so amazing going down the line, leaning-in for pictures and waves. So happy I had the video rolling and caught this!

Mr. Will x Billy Forever

Review by Mr. Will Wong

Western  Stars is quintessential viewing for fans of The Boss. The Documentary co-directed by music icon Bruce Springsteen and Thom Zimny gives fans a gorgeous intimate visual and sound experience on the ideas and concepts behind his latest studio album.  The Documentary was recorded in his 100-year-old barn with a 30-piece orchestra and his band, including partner Patti Scialfa.

We get a get a glimpse into Springsteen’s journey and the life lessons he has accrued, getting candid. He even talks about having hurt the people he loved but having grown since. He jokes how years ago he was singing about cars and still to this day this remains a metaphor despite changed contexts. Springsteen speaks about his music with an assured wisdom he only could impart at this stage in his celebrated career and we’re glad he did. Western Stars brings us up- close and personal to a personable legend.

Western Stars manages in a transcendent  way to capture the magic of Springsteen’s artistry and the magnestism which has kept his fan base loyal for years.

WESTERN STARS screens at TIFF:
Thu, Sep 12
Roy Thomson Hall
9:30pm

Fri, Sep 13
Winter Garden Theatre
11:00am

Sat, Sep 14
Scotiabank Theatre
8:45pm