Jeremy Allen White Steps Into the Spotlight as Bruce Springsteen in “Deliver Me From Nowhere”

Jeremy Allen White, a rising star celebrated for his raw performances in “Shameless” and the Emmy-winning “The Bear,” is stepping into the formidable shoes of Bruce Springsteen for the much-anticipated biographical musical drama “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.” The film, written and directed by Scott Cooper and based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 book, chronicles the conception of Springsteen’s haunting 1982 album, Nebraska. White’s transformation into “the Boss” is set to premiere at the 2025 New York Film Festival before a national theatrical release on October 24.

“Nebraska,” Springsteen’s sixth studio album, was recorded in the intimacy of his New Jersey bedroom, using a simple 4-track recorder. The album marked a pivotal moment in Springsteen’s journey—a young musician grappling with the pressures of rising fame, his working-class roots, and personal demons. The record is celebrated for its stark and somber acoustic style, giving voice to the struggles and aspirations of marginalized communities, including working-class and queer individuals searching for deliverance in an unforgiving world.

Starring alongside Jeremy Allen White are Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, Stephen Graham, Odessa Young, Gaby Hoffmann, Marc Maron, and David Krumholtz. The ensemble brings to life Springsteen’s inner circle and the complex web of relationships that shaped the album’s creation.

In a recent appearance on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, White opened up about the unique challenges he faced stepping into Springsteen’s legendary persona. “I had not had a lot of experience, or any experience, singing or playing guitar, so that was daunting to say the least in the beginning,” White admitted, reflecting on the vulnerability required to perform in front of Springsteen himself.

White’s candidness about his musical inexperience speaks to the broader theme of authenticity and transformation. “You’re stepping into someone’s legacy,” he explained, “and that comes with a responsibility to honor the truth of their story, especially in front of the man who lived it”.

Director Scott Cooper emphasized the importance of capturing Springsteen’s vulnerability, noting that the film is “not just about music, but about what it means to be an outsider—whether in your own family, your town, or your country”. This message resonates with LGBTQ+ audiences who have historically found solidarity and meaning in Springsteen’s themes of longing and resilience.

While the film’s primary storyline centers on Springsteen’s personal journey, the themes of outsiderhood, self-discovery, and perseverance have strong resonance with queer audiences. Springsteen’s catalog, full of stories about individuals fighting to be seen and heard, has often provided a soundtrack to LGBTQ+ activism and pride events, amplifying voices that are too often marginalized in American cultural history.

As Jeremy Allen White steps onto the screen as Bruce Springsteen, he joins a lineage of artists who have used their craft to bridge gaps, foster empathy, and challenge norms. His vulnerability in learning new skills, his respect for Springsteen’s legacy, and the film’s thematic emphasis on outsiderhood and resilience make “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” a promising addition to the canon of LGBTQ+-affirming cinema.

For LGBTQ+ viewers, the biopic offers more than historical insight—it serves as a reminder that the pursuit of authenticity, whether through art or identity, is a universal struggle worthy of celebration. As the industry continues to evolve, stories like White’s transformation and Springsteen’s journey remain vital in fostering a culture where everyone, regardless of background or orientation, can find belonging and hope.