The first photo of The Bear star Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen in a forthcoming biopic has been released as shooting begins on the project, titled Deliver Me from Nowhere.
In the shot, White is seen slightly hunched in classic Springsteen pose, complete with red plaid shirt, unruly hair and hands shoved in the pockets of a black leather jacket.
The film has been adapted from Warren Zanes’ book about the making of the musician’s 1982 album, Nebraska by writer-director Scott Cooper. Cooper’s previous films include Crazy Heart, which won Jeff Bridges a best actor Oscar for his performance as a washed-up country singer.
“Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska has profoundly shaped my artistic vision,” said Cooper in a statement on Monday. “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, honouring Bruce’s legacy in a transformative cinematic experience.”
The project is the first biopic authorised by Springsteen, who himself had a cameo in the 2000 film High Fidelity (as well as in the final series of Curb Your Enthusiasm) and who has been the subject of a number of documentaries, including The Promise and Letter to You.
He also gave his approval to 2019 film Blinded By the Light, based on the memoir by Sarfraz Manzoor about his love of Springsteen’s music and growing up in Luton.
Deliver Me from Nowhere is expected to be released next autumn; this winter sees the release of Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, whose transformation into the 60s-era Dylan has met with early acclaim.
