Source: Sony Pictures Classics

"Nuremberg" Set for November 7 Release: A Landmark Film Revisits Justice And Humanity

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Sony Pictures Classics has announced the nationwide theatrical release of "Nuremberg" on November 7, 2025, marking a significant cultural moment as the world prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the original Nuremberg Trials. The film, written and directed by James Vanderbilt, is based on the acclaimed non-fiction book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist" by Jack El-Hai, and features a star-studded cast including Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, Rami Malek as U.S. Army psychiatrist Dr. Douglas Kelley, and Michael Shannon as chief prosecutor Robert H. Jackson .

Set in post-war Germany, "Nuremberg" dramatizes the pivotal months following World War II when leading Nazi officials were held accountable for crimes against humanity. The narrative focuses on the complex relationship between Dr. Kelley (Malek) and Göring (Crowe), offering a psychological exploration of evil, complicity, and the pursuit of justice . The film's release is especially timely, coinciding with renewed global conversations about human rights, accountability, and the ongoing struggle against hate-based violence.

The Nuremberg Trials are widely regarded as a watershed moment in international law, establishing the precedent that individuals—including heads of state—can be held criminally responsible for atrocities, including genocide and crimes against humanity. These principles underpin many of the protections that LGBTQ+ communities and other marginalized groups rely upon today, making the film's themes acutely relevant to current struggles for dignity and equality .

While "Nuremberg" does not explicitly focus on LGBTQ+ characters, its historical context and ethical themes resonate deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences. The Nazi regime targeted not only Jewish people but also LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly gay men, who were persecuted, imprisoned, and murdered under Paragraph 175 and other discriminatory laws. The legacy of the Nuremberg Trials—affirming that such acts are crimes against humanity—has been vital in subsequent legal and moral battles for LGBTQ+ rights globally .

"Nuremberg" boasts an ensemble cast featuring LGBTQ+ ally Rami Malek, whose portrayal of Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody" earned acclaim for its sensitivity to queer experience . The supporting cast includes Richard E. Grant, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O’Brien, Colin Hanks, Lydia Peckham, Wrenn Schmidt, Lotte Verbeek, and Andreas Pietschmann, reflecting a commitment to diverse and compelling storytelling .

Behind the camera, director James Vanderbilt is known for his meticulous research and nuanced approach to adaptation, promising a film that balances historical fidelity with emotional depth . The screenplay, based on Jack El-Hai’s investigative work, foregrounds the psychological struggle between justice and denial—a narrative that continues to echo in contemporary debates over truth and reconciliation.

"Nuremberg" will have its world premiere in September 2025 at the Toronto International Film Festival, followed by its U.S. theatrical release on November 7, 2025 . The release is expected to spark renewed interest in the history of the Nuremberg Trials and their implications for modern justice movements, including those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

In anticipation of the film, LGBTQ+ organizations and educators are preparing to use "Nuremberg" as a springboard for conversations about historical memory, intersectional advocacy, and the ongoing fight against discrimination. Social media campaigns and educational toolkits are in development, aimed at connecting the film’s themes to current issues such as the global rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and violence (Instagram: @nurembergfilm).

As the world prepares for "Nuremberg’s" release, the film stands as both a historical drama and a call to action—a reminder that justice, once denied, can be reclaimed through truth, solidarity, and the courage to remember.


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