Jude Law drew inspiration for his character Jake in Black Rabbit from an iconic figure in rock history, Kurt Cobain, who tragically died by s*icide in 1994. The series briefly explores Jake’s earlier life and ambitions of becoming a rock star.
In an exclusive interview with Collider, the actor shared that he looked to Kurt Cobain, the late Nirvana frontman, for inspiration, particularly in shaping Jake’s look and energy in these sequences.
“I thought, ‘Well, who would he have wanted to be back then?’ And I just kept coming back to [Kurt] Cobain,” he shared, reflecting on how this approach helped the show offer a glimpse into the character’s past while honoring the spirit of a beloved musician in a thoughtful, subtle way.
What Happened to Kurt Cobain: A Look at His Career and Death
Kurt Cobain, born in 1967 in Washington, became one of the most influential musicians of the 1990s as the frontman of Nirvana. Known for his raw, emotive voice and songwriting, Cobain’s music has resonated deeply with a generation.
Albums like Nevermind and In Utero solidified his place in music history, with hits such as Smells Like Teen Spirit capturing both mainstream attention and critical acclaim (Britannica).
Despite his success, Cobain struggled with personal challenges, including chronic health issues, depression, and the pressures of fame. These struggles often informed his songwriting, giving his music a depth and vulnerability that fans connected with.
Tragically, Cobain’s life ended in April 1994 when he died by s*icide at the age of 27. His death marked a profound loss for the music world. Cobain’s influence continues to endure, inspiring musicians and fans alike.
Black Rabbit Creators on How Music Breathed Life into the Series
Music plays a central role in Netflix’s Black Rabbit, shaping both the series’ atmosphere and its characters. Jude Law explained that the cast and crew shared playlists early in production to immerse themselves in the world of the upscale New York bar at the heart of the story.
Black Rabbit co-creator Zach Baylin emphasized music’s narrative importance, explaining that they wanted it to be deeply ingrained in the characters’ lives. During the interview with Collider, he shared,
Music played a huge role, both obviously in the vibe of the show, but also in the character’s life, and so really beginning Vince’s journey with that song, with Willie Hutch, that also becomes, later, a song that his mother plays in a flashback.
He also added that they listened extensively to the rock band The Strokes to capture the right emotional tone. Ultimately, the soundtrack does more than set a mood; it drives character development and connects the series’ past and present.
Did you notice how the music shapes the characters’ journeys? Which soundtrack moment in Black Rabbit stood out to you the most?
Black Rabbit is streaming on Netflix.
