Bruce Springsteen, the legendary American rock icon known as "The Boss," has recently opened up about his experience watching English actor Stephen Graham portray his late father, Douglas Frederick "Dutch" Springsteen, in the upcoming film Deliver Me From Nowhere. The movie, an adaptation of the 2023 book Deliver Me From Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, chronicles the creation of Springsteen's deeply personal 1982 album Nebraska.
Springsteen, 75, praised Graham’s performance in a heartfelt interview with The Times, describing it as "a little otherworldly, and also quite touching." The musician, who has won 20 Grammy Awards for his 21 studio albums and penned over 300 songs, has remained mostly reserved about the film, which is slated for theatrical release in October 2025. Yet his admiration for Graham’s portrayal of his father is clear, underscoring the emotional weight the movie carries.
Stephen Graham, 51, from Liverpool, shared earlier this year how Springsteen’s personal message moved him deeply. Graham recounted receiving a text from the singer that read, "Thank you so much. You know, my father passed away a while ago and I felt like I saw him today and thank you for giving me that memory." For Graham, an actor celebrated for his intense and authentic performances, this acknowledgment was profoundly touching. "He’s a working-class hero. He’s an icon to thousands, to millions," Graham said, highlighting Springsteen’s enduring cultural impact.
The film also stars Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen himself, with Jeremy Strong portraying the singer’s manager, Jon Landau. Springsteen has spoken warmly of the cast, calling White and Strong “fantastic, terrific,” and lauding Graham as "out of this world." The singer’s involvement with the production went beyond mere endorsement. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Springsteen revealed that he frequently visited the film set, particularly the locations in New Jersey where much of the shooting took place.
However, these visits were not without their challenges. The film revisits some of the most painful and personal moments of Springsteen’s life, and he was mindful of the emotional toll this could take on both himself and the actors. "I’m sure it’s much worse for the actor than for me," Springsteen remarked. He explained that Jeremy Allen White was "very, very tolerant" of his presence on set. "I said to him, ‘Look, anytime I’m in the way, just give me the look and I’m on my way home.’ So the days that I got out there, he was wonderfully tolerant with me being there. And it was just fun. It was enjoyable." This dynamic reveals a touching behind-the-scenes camaraderie between the musician and the actor playing him.
Springsteen also made it clear that he respected the actors’ need for space during emotionally intense scenes. "If there was a scene coming up that was sometimes really deeply personal, I wanted the actors to feel completely free, and I didn’t want to get in the way, and so I would just stay at home," he said. This sensitivity suggests a thoughtful approach to retelling a story so close to his heart.
Earlier this month, the first trailer for Deliver Me From Nowhere was released, featuring Jeremy Allen White performing Springsteen’s iconic song "Born To Run." The two-and-a-half-minute preview sparked mixed reactions among fans online. Some praised White’s portrayal and the emotional depth conveyed, while others felt the resemblance between White and Springsteen was less convincing. Regardless, the trailer has generated significant buzz ahead of the film’s October debut.
Beyond the film, Springsteen has remained vocal about contemporary issues. During a recent concert in Manchester, he sharply criticized the Trump administration, labeling it "corrupt, incompetent and treasonous." This bold statement prompted a retort from former President Donald Trump, who dismissed Springsteen as a "dried-out prune." Springsteen described the current political climate as "an American tragedy" and said, "We’re living through a terrible moment in history." His willingness to speak out continues to highlight his role not just as a musician but as a socially conscious figure.
Deliver Me From Nowhere promises to offer an intimate glimpse into the making of one of Springsteen’s most personal albums, while also exploring the complex family dynamics that shaped the man behind the music. With Stephen Graham’s moving portrayal of his father and Jeremy Allen White’s embodiment of Springsteen himself, the film is poised to resonate deeply with fans old and new.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is building for a film that not only revisits a pivotal chapter in rock history but also honors the emotional truths at its core. Springsteen’s rare and candid reflections on the project, combined with the cast’s dedication, suggest that Deliver Me From Nowhere will be more than just a biopic—it will be a poignant tribute to legacy, memory, and the power of music to tell our stories.
