Production has begun in New Jersey on the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic, “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” starring Jeremy Allen White. Inspired by Warren Zanes’ 2023 book of the same name, “Deliver Me from Nowhere” explores the creation of Springsteen’s 1982 solo album, “Nebraska.” The film, written and directed by Scott Cooper, is set for a theatrical release in 2025. This announcement follows the recent release of concert tour documentary “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band” on Disney +.
In a press release for 20th Century Studios, Cooper discussed the effect “Nebraska” had on his life. “‘Nebraska’ has profoundly shaped my artistic vision,” Cooper said. “The album’s raw, unvarnished portrayal of life’s trials and resilience resonates deeply with me. Our film aims to capture that same spirit.”
White, who is currently best known for his work as high-strung chef Carmen Berzatto in FX’s “The Bear,” will portray the 33-year-old Springsteen who created such an album. Alongside White, the film has a wealth of talent from award-wining and notable actors. Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice,” “Succession”) stars as Jon Landau, Springsteen’s mentor and manager. Paul Walter Hauser plays Springsteen’s guitar tech Mike Batlan. Odessa Young portrays Faye, a former love interest. Stephen Graham is Springsteen’s father, Douglas “Dutch”. And Johnny Cannizzaro plays Stevie Van Zandt, member of Springsteen’s E Street Band.
Additionally, 20th Century Studios have released a first-look photo of White as the legendary musician. In the photo, White channels 1980s Springsteen with a classic jacket and flannel. The look is tied together with a serious side-long gaze, reminiscent of some of Springsteen’s own photoshoots from the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Musician Biopics: A Continuously Growing Genre
“Deliver Me from Nowhere” joins an ever-growing list of musician biopics from the past decade. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Rocketman,” “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” and “Back to Black” are just a few that have graced our screens during this time. Indeed, the Springsteen addition isn’t even the only musician biopic releasing within the next year, with James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown” releasing in December 2024.
With success fluctuating up and down in this genre, it’s anyone’s guess how “Deliver Me from Nowhere” will fare. Regardless of this uncertainty, the film certainly has a talented cast led by White. Through his roles in “The Bear” and the U.S. version of “Shameless,” White has proven his ability to portray emotionally complex characters with both a seriousness and a certain amount of levity when needed. And his experience acting as real-life tragic wrestler Kerry Von Erich in “The Iron Claw” will undoubtedly help him find his own interpretation of Springsteen at such a pivotal moment in the musician’s life and career.
Scott Cooper produces alongside the Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Eric Robinson. Tracey Landon and Warren Zanes are executive producing.