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 theatres 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, honoring 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 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.