Bruce Springsteen’s new film, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, is stumbling at the box office, and the news isn’t particularly shocking. Springsteen’s own decisions have likely played a role in this disappointing performance. A once-adored figure, he has tangled himself in political controversy, particularly with his support for Kamala Harris in 2024 and bizarre anti-Trump antics this summer.
The financials tell a grim tale. The film debuted with only $7 million internationally, bringing its total to a mere $16.1 million against a hefty $55 million production cost. With theater owners typically taking half of ticket sales, time is running out for this biopic to justify its price tag. Variety expressed confusion over why the film is underperforming, pointing out that its ticket sales would need to remain strong over time to recoup costs.
Critics had mixed reactions, but audiences offered some kindness, giving Deliver Me from Nowhere a “B+” grade from CinemaScore and a 61% average on Rotten Tomatoes. The film charts a different course compared to other recent musical biopics by spotlighting Springsteen’s 1982 acoustic album Nebraska, rather than his mega-hits like “Born in the U.S.A.”
Springsteen’s box office woes can also be compared to other films, such as A Complete Unknown, featuring Timothée Chalamet. Despite starting with similar ticket sales, A Complete Unknown outperformed in the long run, concluding with $75 million domestically thanks in part to its holiday release timing.
John Nolte of Breitbart News provided insightful commentary on Springsteen’s decline. Once an artist who resonated deeply with working people, Springsteen’s shift into overt political commentary has alienated many long-time fans. He observed, “We loved that guy because we felt he was talking directly to us.” The connection that once drew fans in has frayed under the weight of his political rhetoric. As Nolte noted, the core supporters now see a different man—an “obnoxious old guy” consumed with rants rather than the storyteller who once brought them comfort and unity through timeless music.
In essence, Springsteen’s political forays have cost him the goodwill of those who once cherished him. The failure of his film previews a difficult lesson for Hollywood regarding the risks of alienating audiences with divisive stances.
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