Summary:
- Bono Stories of Surrender is a 2025 documentary film centered on Bono’s life and stage performance.
- The cast includes Bono, Gemma Doherty, Kate Ellis, and Jacknife Lee, all portraying themselves.
- The film premiered on Apple TV+ on May 30, 2025, and explores themes of family, fame, and music.
Bono Stories of Surrender is a 2025 documentary that offers an introspective look into the life and career of Bono, the frontman of U2. The film, featuring his intimate stage show at the Beacon Theatre, captures personal stories, music, and reflections. With Bono at its core, the documentary includes a supporting cast of musicians performing alongside him.
Who Are the Main Cast Members in Bono Stories of Surrender?
The main subject of the film is Bono, whose full name is Paul David Hewson. He serves as the narrator and performer, sharing stories from his childhood, music career, activism, and personal life. His role is as himself, offering viewers a raw and reflective journey through decades of experience.
| Cast Member | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bono | Himself (Main Subject) | Narrates his life story, performs U2 songs, explores family, friends, and faith. |
| Gemma Doherty | Musician (Backing Vocalist/Harpist) | Provided backing vocals or harp during stage performances. |
| Kate Ellis | Musician (Cellist/Vocalist) | Contributed to instrumentation or vocals during the show. |
| Jacknife Lee | Musician and Producer | Served as musical director, keyboardist, and percussionist during the tour. |
Supporting him are three musicians who also appear as themselves:
- Gemma Doherty, a harpist and vocalist from Derry, likely provides backing vocals or harp during the stage show. She is known for her work in the folk duo Saint Sister and contributed to the Stories of Surrender EP.
- Kate Ellis, a London-based cellist and musician, also supports Bono in the performance, contributing instrumentation and possibly vocals.
- Jacknife Lee (Garret Lee), a long-time music producer and collaborator with U2, served as the musical director for Bono’s stage tour. In the film, he appears as a performer handling keyboard and percussion duties.
These individuals are credited for their real-life contributions to the production, with no fictional characters included.
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What Roles Do These Cast Members Play in the Documentary?
Because Bono Stories of Surrender is a documentary, all cast members appear as themselves. Their roles are based on their contributions to the 2023 live performance featured in the film. Bono leads the narrative, using music and storytelling to guide the audience through his memories and milestones.
- Bono is central to the film, revisiting his upbringing, band history, and activism.
- Doherty and Ellis provide live musical support, adding atmosphere and emotional depth.
- Lee orchestrates the performance as a producer and musician, maintaining the rhythm and structure of the stage production.
The “characters” in the film are the real people from Bono’s life—his wife Ali Hewson, his U2 bandmates (The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr.), his parents, and friends—who are discussed but not portrayed by actors. Some may appear in archival footage.
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What Is the Format and Release Information for Bono Stories of Surrender?
The documentary is based on Bono’s 2023 stage performance at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, a part of his tour promoting the 2022 memoir Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story. Directed by Andrew Dominik, the film premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025, receiving a seven-minute standing ovation.
Bono: Stories of Surrender was released on Apple TV+ on May 30, 2025, available as both a traditional 2D film and an Apple Immersive Video for the Apple Vision Pro. It runs for 86 minutes and carries a TV-MA rating, indicating mature themes.
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Who Else Is Mentioned in Bono Stories of Surrender?
The film includes discussions about important individuals in Bono’s life:
- Ali Hewson, Bono’s wife, plays a key emotional role in the stories shared.
- The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. are mentioned as U2 bandmates.
- Bono’s father and mother are central to his recollections, especially in discussing his family dynamics.
Although they are not credited as part of the cast, these individuals shape the narrative and provide context to Bono’s journey. Archival footage and photos may be used to reference them visually.
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