Prince documentary canceled at Netflix, singer’s estate to develop new project
Instead of releasing a nine-hour documentary on the music legend, Prince, following years of production, Netflix has decided to step back. Instead, it’s the Prince Estate that will create and develop their own movie about the iconic artist.
The finished documentary was helmed by Academy Award-winning director Ezra Edelman, most recognized for “O.J.: Made in America.” In a unique move, Edelman received exclusive permission to delve into Prince’s private archives, often referred to as the vault by his estate. This documentary, viewed by very few individuals, was said by The New York Times Magazine to include accounts of physical and emotional abuse from the musician’s former partners and others.
According to a joint announcement made by The Prince Estate and Netflix, they have decided not to release a new documentary, as the estate will instead create and produce it using exclusive content from Prince’s personal archive.
Representatives for Edelman did not immediately return The Times’ requests for comment.
On X, the estate shared a video expressing joy that the “vault” was now “liberated.” The message in the video says, “No matter what happens, nobody can define who you are for others.” It continues, “In reality, you exist to inspire or to dampen spirits.
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According to the New York Times Magazine, the documentary features conversations with more than just Prince’s ex-girlfriends – it also includes bandmates, sound engineers, assistants, bodyguards, managers, childhood friends, record-company executives, and one of his sisters.
In July 2024, Variety reported a dispute between the estate and the streaming platform, stemming from the estate’s accusation that the documentary, released after over four years of development, presented sensationalized accounts of the singer’s life events. The estate also claimed there were significant factual inaccuracies within the drama.
The late “Purple Rain” performer, who succumbed to a fentanyl overdose in 2016, didn’t leave behind a will. At the time of his passing, it was estimated that his estate was worth approximately $300 million.
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The process of identifying his estate’s inheritors, deciding on the distribution of wealth, and overseeing its management has evolved into a drawn-out, intricate legal ordeal. In 2022, the administration of the estate was transitioned to some of his heirs, associates, and the music publishing company Primary Wave.
Back then, around when things were shifting, I noticed the studio began to resist my access to “the vault” and the creative control over the documentary. As a film enthusiast, it felt like they were trying to steer the project in a different direction.
More details concerning the estate’s intended development of a standalone documentary weren’t readily accessible at that moment.
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2025-02-08 00:31