After decades of acting in film and television, Adrien Brody is set to make his Adrien Brody Broadway debut in a few weeks. The two-time Oscar-winning actor will star opposite Tessa Thompson in the new stage production The Fear of 13, premiering in New York City, which portrays the true story of Nick Yarris, a man wrongfully imprisoned on death row for over two decades before being freed by DNA evidence.
Brody has shared in an exclusive interview that performing live on Broadway has been a long-standing ambition of his since he was a teenager. Reflecting on his career’s progression, he emphasized the significance of this moment in his artistic journey.
About the Play and Its Real-Life Inspiration
The Fear of 13 recounts Nick Yarris’s harrowing experience after his conviction in Pennsylvania for a crime he did not commit. Yarris spent 22 years on death row until DNA testing finally proved his innocence in 2004. Brody takes on the challenging role of Yarris, while Tessa Thompson portrays Jackie, a volunteer who visits him in prison. This story is adapted from Yarris’s own first-person narrative by playwright Lindsey Ferrentino, drawing on his bestselling memoir, Seven Days to Live, and the 2015 documentary of the same name directed by David Sington.
Prior to this Broadway run, Brody had already embodied Yarris in a 2024 London production at the Donmar Warehouse, deepening his connection to the role.
Brody Shares His Passion for Theater
Speaking about his enthusiasm for live performance, Brody said,
“I started doing theater as a teen before I really got any film work, … so it’s been a long journey,”
He added,
“It’s another dream [come true] to make it to Broadway.”
Emphasizing the unique experience of live theater, he explained,
“I just love the intimacy of theater, so all of it’s very, very exciting.”
This upcoming role marks a new creative chapter for Brody, who has also appeared in a high-profile commercial during Super Bowl LX.
Collaboration and Creative Energy on Stage
Brody expressed great excitement about sharing the stage with Tessa Thompson, also making her Broadway debut with this production. He said,
“It’s exciting to work with a great actor, and there’ll be many additional people involved who I think will elevate it, regardless of whether they’ve been on Broadway or not.”
Describing the dynamic nature of theater, he highlighted,
“The beauty is you get to listen and communicate with each other and commune with an audience, and it differs every night.”
He further reflected on the ephemeral nature of live performances:
“You go through this whole journey, and you share that with that intimate group of people — and then it’s gone. Then you’re up again tomorrow and do the same.”
Brody also stressed the rewarding challenge that comes with taking on this material, stating,
“To still find things that are exciting and creatively challenging and provide a lot of growth [is great].”
Support from The Innocence Project and Broader Impact
The Broadway production will partner with The Innocence Project, the nonprofit organization responsible for helping free wrongfully convicted individuals, including Nick Yarris himself. Christina Swarns, one of Yarris’s former attorneys, is now the executive director of this group. The Innocence Project has played a vital role in freeing over 250 people who collectively spent more than 4,000 years imprisoned and has influenced the enactment of numerous legal reforms across states and federally.
Show Details and Opening Night
The Fear of 13 is scheduled to begin previews on March 19 at the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York City, with the official opening set for April 15. Directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer, the production will run for 16 weeks, offering audiences an intense and emotional look into one man’s fight for justice. Tickets are currently available for those eager to witness Brody’s significant stage milestone.
