Bruce Springsteen biopic 'Deliver Me From Nowhere': Cast, plot, release date, director, and songs

9 April 2024, 14:11

It'll be the first of its kind.

Despite being one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the past half-century, there's never been a biopic made about Bruce Springsteen.

Until now that is, with a particular period of Springsteen's career being reinterpreted for the silver screen.

That period of time was when 'The Boss' veered away from the fist-pumping bombast of albums he made alongside the E Street Band, instead opting for a stripped-back approach with just an acoustic guitar, a harmonica, and his voice.

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The album in question was 1982's Nebraska, which has since become one of Springsteen's most critically acclaimed efforts, and will serve as the basis for his highly-anticipated new biopic.

But what else do we know about the biopic? Who will star in it? When is it set for release? Here's everything we know so far:

What is the new Bruce Springsteen biopic called?

The new Bruce Springsteen biopic is called Delivery Me From Nowhere.

It takes its title from Warren Zanes' 2023 biography of the same name - Deliver Me From Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska - which analyses Springsteen's mindset ahead of writing Nebraska, its making, and its lasting impact on Springsteen himself.

What is the plot of the new Bruce Springsteen biopic?

State Trooper

Deliver Me From Nowhere, much like the biography it was based on, will delve into the making of Bruce Springsteen's 1982 Nebraska.

Having released his most commercially successful album yet in 1980's The River, the natural follow-up would have been 1984's Born In The U.S.A., which was in its infancy.

But rather than hammering down with blue-collar, working-class anthems about political disillusionment, Springsteen made a series of four-track demos with just an acoustic guitar and a harmonica for accompaniment, later releasing the demos as they were.

Far removed from the communal nature of the majority of Bruce's work, Nebraska is very much an album about Springsteen, for Springsteen.

It's a telling insight into his mindset at the time. He was on the verge of a mental breakdown, mirroring the gloomy mood of the US at the time, though wouldn't discuss it until many years later.

Deliver Me From Nowhere will likely explore Springsteen's life throughout this period, and the personal turmoil he experienced that was poured into one of his influential, standalone albums.

Who is starring in the Bruce Springsteen biopic?

Rumours as circulated about who will be cast as Bruce Springsteen, and it's been reported that Jeremy Allen White has secured the lead role.

Star of FX series The Bear and A24 wrestling drama Iron Claw, White was revealed as the man to play a young, embattled Springsteen in Deliver Me From Nowhere.

Deadline confirmed that Disney and 20th Century Studios will collaborate on the film, with the outlet stating White's casting.

Neither Springsteen himself nor the studio have confirmed the casting decision as of yet, however.

Who will direct the new Bruce Springsteen biopic?

Scott Cooper has been named as the director of Deliver Me From Nowhere, whose previous directing credits include Jeff Bridges-starring country music drama Crazy Heart and brutal Western Hostiles.

Talking to Variety, Springsteen's manager Jon Landau said: "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."

Cooper himself expressed the importance of Nebraska and the impact it had on his own career:

"I once read that 'Nebraska' is an album that moves you to the marrow of your bones. I couldn't agree more. 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 honour 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."

When is the Bruce Springsteen biopic set for release?

Details of the Bruce Springsteen biopic are still murky, and with the lead role only recently cast it'll likely be a while before a release date is confirmed.

A 2025 release date has been mooted, despite production not having started at the time of writing this article.

Will Bruce Springsteen's songs feature in the biopic?

Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska - The Song (From VH1 Storytellers)

Bruce Springsteen had a huge part to play in Warren Zines' novel, and it's believed he has sanctioned the biopic too.

Though he's made no official statement about the biopic yet, his manager Jon Landau has released statements about its production, with 'The Boss' likely to grant the rights to his music.

What isn't known however is if Jeremy Allen White will actually sing Springsteen's songs in the film.

The actor - who grew up dancing jazz, ballet, and tap - isn't from Jersey, but did grow up in Brooklyn so will no doubt embody Bruce's spirit.