You know that frantic, fast-talking energy Jesse Eisenberg brings to every role? It turns out, that's not just a character choice for The Social Network or Zombieland. It’s basically his baseline. But for the last several years, that nervous energy has found a very specific, very tiny target.
Jesse Eisenberg and his wife, Anna Strout, have one son. His name is Banner, and he was born in early 2017.
Honestly, in a Hollywood landscape where every toddler has an Instagram manager, Eisenberg is an outlier. He doesn’t post "candid" shots of his kid’s breakfast. He doesn't do red carpet walks with a stroller in tow. Instead, he’s out here giving interviews about how he’s basically praying his son inherits absolutely zero of his own personality traits.
The Reality of Raising Banner Eisenberg
Jesse Eisenberg kid, Banner, is currently about eight years old. Because his parents are fiercely private, we don’t get a ton of "day in the life" content, but Jesse has dropped enough breadcrumbs in interviews to paint a pretty hilarious picture of their dynamic.
The actor has been vocal about his own struggles with anxiety. It’s a part of him. So, when he became a father, he had this massive realization. He spent the first 33 years of his life worrying about "invisible" problems—stuff he just made up to be stressed about. Then Banner arrived.
Suddenly, the worry became real. It was tangible.
"I spend my life worrying about another person," he’s said in various ways. And strangely? It made him happier. It’s like his brain finally found a productive use for all that "what-if" energy. He’s not worrying about whether his performance in a play was "truthful" anymore; he’s worrying about whether Banner is eating enough vegetables or if he’s going to be okay at school.
Why he wants his son to be "nothing like him"
This is the part that always gets me. Jesse is obsessed with the idea that Banner should take after Anna Strout, not him. He’s called Anna an "amazing woman" and basically said she’s the superior human in the relationship.
He told People that he’s "both terrified for my child having any autonomy whatsoever" and "thankful when he exhibits different personality traits than me."
Basically, he wants the kid to have his mom’s groundedness. He doesn't want another Jesse Eisenberg running around the house. One is plenty.
A Surprise Movie Debut
For a long time, the world had no idea what Banner even looked like. That changed recently with Jesse’s film A Real Pain (2024).
If you look closely at the film—which Jesse also directed—you’ll see a kid playing the son of his character, David. That kid? That’s Banner. It wasn't some big "nepo baby" launchpad move, though. Jesse explained that since the movie was such a personal, "memory piece" for him, it just felt right to have his actual son in there.
Does Banner watch his dad’s movies?
Not really. Or at least, not the ones you’d expect.
While Jesse was promoting Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (the third one!) in late 2025, he admitted that Banner hadn't seen most of his work. He’s a bit protective about the "Hollywood-ness" of it all.
However, they do have a creative bond. Apparently, they write music together. Jesse has called him a "brilliant musical kid" and an "artsy" soul. That’s probably the most "Hollywood" thing about their life—they sit around and write songs instead of just watching Peppa Pig on repeat (though Jesse did once joke that Banner thought their family RV trips were just like an episode of Peppa Pig).
Life Between Indiana and New York
One thing that surprises people is where they actually live. They aren't living the full-time Beverly Hills lifestyle.
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Anna Strout grew up in Bloomington, Indiana. Her mother, Toby Strout, was a legendary activist who ran Middle Way House, a domestic violence shelter. Because of that connection, Jesse and his family spend a ton of time in Indiana.
- They lived there "on and off" for the last decade.
- They hunkered down there during the pandemic.
- Jesse even helped with fundraising for the local shelter, once helping coordinate a "community program to buy 400 ferns."
It’s a very grounded way to raise a kid. He’s seeing his mom do nonprofit work and his dad do community theater or small indie projects. It’s a far cry from the paparazzi-heavy life of most A-listers.
What's Next for the Eisenberg Family?
As of 2026, Jesse has officially become a Polish citizen (his family has deep roots there), and he’s mentioned that his wife and son have a strong connection to that heritage too. It wouldn't be surprising if they started spending even more time in Europe.
If you’re looking to follow "Jesse Eisenberg kid" updates, don't expect a public TikTok account anytime soon. Jesse is playing the long game with Banner's privacy.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see the only public glimpse of Banner, check out the 2024 film A Real Pain. It’s a rare moment where Jesse allowed his private and professional worlds to overlap. Otherwise, respect the privacy—it's clearly working for them.
The best way to support the family's values is to look into the Middle Way House in Indiana, the organization Anna’s family has dedicated their lives to. That’s the work they actually care about, far more than any red carpet photo op.