GOOD NEWS: “Anything Strange or… Startling?” Stories of Surrender Trailer will drop in….
For fans of Bono and U2, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year. In a thrilling update that has sparked excitement across music and film communities alike, the official trailer for *Stories of Surrender*—the long-anticipated cinematic adaptation of Bono’s 2022 memoir *Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story*—will be released in June 2025.
Yes, you read that right. The trailer is coming, and it’s poised to give us a first glimpse into what promises to be a uniquely personal and artistically ambitious project from one of music’s most enigmatic frontmen.
**What Is *Stories of Surrender*?**
For those who may not be familiar, *Stories of Surrender* is a film adaptation inspired by Bono’s reflective and emotionally raw memoir *Surrender*, which chronicles his journey from the streets of Dublin to global stardom with U2, interwoven with personal stories of grief, faith, activism, and love.
The memoir, structured around 40 U2 songs, served not just as an autobiography but also as a meditation on the moments that shaped his life and career. The upcoming film, directed by Academy Award-nominee Morgan Neville (*20 Feet from Stardom*, *Won’t You Be My Neighbor?*), blends live performance, intimate storytelling, and expressive visuals to create a narrative experience that’s as much a concert film as it is a cinematic confession.
**The Trailer Tease: “Anything Strange or… Startling?”**
According to insiders close to the production, the trailer—set to be released globally in June—will lean into the thematic richness of Bono’s narrative voice. The title tease, “Anything strange or… startling?” is lifted from the book’s early pages and suggests a playful yet sincere tone for the film. It’s a phrase that evokes curiosity, introspection, and the familiar blend of humor and gravity that fans have come to expect from Bono.
The trailer is rumored to include sweeping shots from the “Stories of Surrender” live tour, which played in intimate theaters in 2022 and 2023, along with original footage shot for the film across key locations in Dublin, Berlin, and New York City. Expect brief but emotional appearances from U2 bandmates, family members, and perhaps even some surprise guests.
**A Different Kind of Rock Memoir**
What sets *Stories of Surrender* apart is its departure from the typical rock documentary formula. Rather than focus solely on band milestones or music industry drama, Bono centers his story on relationships—especially his bond with his late father, his enduring marriage to Ali Hewson, and his complicated yet profound friendship with his U2 bandmates.
The memoir’s narrative is deeply introspective, and early production notes suggest the film version will preserve that tone. Neville’s direction aims to keep the audience close—visually and emotionally—blending stylized monologues, archival footage, and minimalist stage setups to amplify the storytelling rather than distract from it.
“It’s about shedding layers, not building myths,” Neville commented in a brief statement last month. “We’re aiming to show the man beneath the glasses—and let the songs speak as much as the stories.”
**What Can Fans Expect from the Trailer?**
While no official trailer footage has been released yet, promotional stills and behind-the-scenes clips hint at a visually striking experience. Bono appears mostly solo on stage in a series of stripped-down performances—sometimes with only a string quartet or acoustic guitar backing him. There’s a sense of vulnerability in these images that mirrors the emotional honesty of the memoir.
The trailer will reportedly highlight three key songs: “Iris (Hold Me Close),” “With or Without You,” and “City of Blinding Lights,” each of which anchors pivotal scenes in both the book and film. If the live show is anything to go by, fans can also expect vivid anecdotes about Bono’s childhood in Dublin, the loss of his mother, the early days of U2, and his evolution as an artist and activist.
**A Broader Cultural Moment**
The release of *Stories of Surrender* arrives at a moment when music documentaries are enjoying a cultural renaissance—from *The Beatles: Get Back* to Taylor Swift’s *The Eras Tour*. Yet Bono’s project sets itself apart by not being a documentary in the traditional sense. It’s not just a story of a band or a career—it’s a story of a man looking back and making peace with all the contradictions he embodies: the rock star and the husband, the agitator and the believer, the performer and the pilgrim.
**Looking Ahead**
The trailer’s June release is likely to coincide with promotional appearances by Bono, possibly including festival Q&As, live interviews, or special preview events in key cities. The film itself is expected to debut in fall 2025, potentially timed around awards season.
Fans are already speculating about what surprises the trailer might hold. Will it include new music? A cameo from the Edge or the rest of the band? Archival footage of a young Bono in Cedarwood Road?
One thing’s certain: Bono’s invitation to his audience—“Anything strange or… startling?”—has never felt more fitting. The trailer may only be a few minutes long, but it promises to open the door to a story that spans decades, soundtracked by the songs that have shaped generations.
So mark your calendars. June 2025 is closer than you think. And *Stories of Surrender* is just beginning to speak.
