Jeremy Allen White, the Emmy-winning star of The Bear, is stepping into the boots of one of America’s most iconic musicians in the much-anticipated film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. As the world premiere approaches at the 52nd annual Telluride Film Festival on August 29, 2025, anticipation is reaching fever pitch—not just among Springsteen fans, but across the film industry and music world alike. The film, directed by Scott Cooper and produced by 20th Century Studios, is a deep dive into the creation of Bruce Springsteen’s haunting 1982 album Nebraska, marking the first time the Boss himself has handed over the reins for a cinematic portrayal of his life and art.
Unlike typical music biopics that trace a star’s rise from obscurity to superstardom, Deliver Me From Nowhere takes a more focused approach. It zeroes in on a transformative, turbulent period in Springsteen’s career: the making of Nebraska, a minimalist album that Springsteen recorded on a four-track in his Colts Neck, New Jersey, bedroom. According to the Associated Press, the film aims to capture the soul of Springsteen, exploring not just the music but the raw, emotional process behind its creation.
"I had never really sang anything, never mind Bruce," White told the Associated Press. "There was a leap of faith that we were all taking." That leap was not just for White, but for director Scott Cooper, who chose the 34-year-old actor despite his lack of singing experience. Cooper, known for his work on Crazy Heart and Black Mass, was adamant: "I knew that he had the two qualities that really embody Bruce: humility and swagger. And they don’t teach swagger at Julliard. You either have it or you don’t. I was never concerned. He’s sensational."
The film’s authenticity is further underscored by Springsteen’s own involvement. As reported by the Associated Press, the rock legend provided input on the script, casting, and even attended several days on set. "They were never directors in any way but were always there when I had a question," Cooper shared. For White, the presence of Springsteen was both a resource and a challenge: "Bruce is very gracious. He was trying to make himself as small as possible on set, but that’s very difficult for Bruce Springsteen."
White’s preparation for the role was nothing short of intense. He worked closely with vocal coach Eric Vetro—who also trained Timothée Chalamet for the Bob Dylan biopic—guitar instructor J.D. Simo, and music supervisor Dave Cobb. The turning point, White recounted to the Associated Press, came during a whirlwind 48-hour recording session at RCA in Nashville: "I feel like that’s where I found my confidence. I’m in this recording studio. It’s a very large room, you’re kind of by yourself. And I got to sing Bruce’s songs over and over again. I remember feeling closer and closer to the man."
While White initially gravitated toward the song "Atlantic City," it was "My Father’s House" that truly struck a chord. "I remember each time singing that song and understanding it more thoroughly. Learning something new each time, just going deeper each time," he said. This immersion in the music, and the emotional landscape it painted, helped White channel not just Springsteen’s voice but his spirit.
Cooper’s film, based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 book, resists the glossy, play-the-hits formula of many biopics. Instead, it seeks to reveal the artistic uncertainty and curiosity that fueled Nebraska. As White explained, "He was drawing inspiration from all these places but he didn’t really know what he was doing for a while with this record. He didn’t know if it was going to be a record. As an actor, hopefully you’re doing that sort of thing all the time. That artistic curiosity is something I related to."
The film also features Jeremy Strong as Jon Landau, Springsteen’s longtime manager and record producer. Landau, like Springsteen, was involved in the project from the start, ensuring the depiction of this creative period remained true to life. According to the Associated Press, this collaboration marks the first time Springsteen has allowed anyone else to tell his story on screen.
Deliver Me From Nowhere is more than just a music film—it’s a meditation on America’s soul. Cooper describes Springsteen as "the symbol of something that’s uniquely American. The blue-collar poet. The reluctant moral conscience. I think to make a film about Bruce is to make a film about America’s soul. The power of that lies in his emotional honesty and his work resonates across all political lines because he tells the truth."
The film’s journey to the screen was not without personal hardship. As the Associated Press reports, Cooper’s father died the day before shooting began, and during the last week of production, he lost his house in the Palisades fire in Los Angeles. In a testament to Springsteen’s generosity, the musician moved Cooper’s family into his own Los Angeles home. "Jeremy and Bruce and a really wonderful crew and cast of actors lifted me up and carried me through to the finish line," Cooper said. "When we didn’t have a place to live, Bruce moved my family into his place in Los Angeles. And Jeremy was there on some of my darkest days. The movie, for me, has a particular resonance."
The world premiere at Telluride is shaping up to be a landmark event. According to Deadline, Springsteen himself will attend the premiere in the Rockies, alongside Cooper, White, and Jeremy Strong. The festival, running over Labor Day weekend, is renowned for launching major Oscar contenders and will also showcase premieres such as Netflix’s Ballad of a Small Player, Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, and Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly. The diversity of the Telluride lineup—from documentaries like Ask E Jean to international dramas—reflects the festival’s status as a bellwether for the awards season and a celebration of cinematic storytelling in all its forms.
For White, the experience of portraying Springsteen has been transformative, both professionally and personally. He described Springsteen as "very gracious," adding, "What was important to him remains his art, yes, but it’s his family and Patti. All of his morals are right in line—what I consider to be right in line."
As Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere prepares for its theatrical release on October 24, 2025, it stands as a testament not just to Springsteen’s enduring legacy, but to the power of collaboration, artistic risk, and emotional honesty. The film promises to offer audiences an intimate look at the making of a masterpiece—and, perhaps, a little glimpse into the heart of America itself.
