Ezra Edelman, the acclaimed director of the powerful O.J.: Made in America, has created a nine-hour documentary about the legendary artist Prince for Netflix, but it seems this project may not be released any time soon.
Each month, streaming services introduce numerous new documentaries, including Netflix’s gripping true crime exploration of the Laci and Scott Peterson case and Michael Bay’s Born Evil series focused on serial killer Hadden Clark.
Yet, O.J.: Made in America stands out as a monumental achievement. This critically acclaimed, 7.5-hour series won an Oscar at the 89th Academy Awards, offering a compelling narrative of the football player’s life intertwined with significant discussions around race and celebrity.
Given this success, it’s no surprise that Netflix turned to Edelman to helm their docu-series about the iconic musician Prince. The endeavor involved five years of intense effort, but now it appears the completed film is caught in limbo.
Prince Documentary Insight
Edelman’s extensive research, along with numerous interviews and exclusive access to Prince’s personal archive – referred to as “the vault”– enable this nine-hour documentary to provide unprecedented insight into the life of Prince, both as a performer and individual.
The New York Times recently explored the details of this docu-series, highlighting its contents and revealing insights about the vault – a space within Prince’s Paisley Park studio that is filled with unreleased music, concert footage, artwork, and personal photographs.
Prince, whose full name was Prince Rogers Nelson, was enigmatic and seldom gave interviews, with his life tragically ending in April 2016 due to a fentanyl overdose, despite his apparent aversion to drugs and alcohol.
The access to the vault provided a unique opportunity to narrate a more complex story about Prince than has previously been revealed. However, even the contents of the vault were selectively curated, as noted by one of the documentary’s editors, Bret Granato, who commented that it resembled a social media profile rather than an unfiltered archive.
The documentary features important revelations from the 70 interviews Edelman conducted, including those with past muses and relationships, notably an impactful interview with Jill Jones, who described a troubling incident with Prince that highlighted his complex and often troubling nature.
This documentary not only captures Prince’s musical brilliance but also delves into his challenging upbringing, where he faced emotional trauma and a deep desire for his father’s approval.
Sasha Weiss, one of the few who attended a preview screening, observed that Edelman portrays a deeply flawed yet remarkable individual, acknowledging both his greatness and dignity amid personal struggles. However, the documentary has faced numerous hurdles throughout its production.
Controversy Surrounding the Netflix Documentary
Despite significant work put into the docu-series, its release is currently stalled due to complications with Prince’s estate, prompting concerns that it may never see the light of day. One contributing factor is that the music legend did not leave behind a will.
Following Prince’s passing, his estate was divided among his sister Tyka and five half-siblings, leading to chaotic management. When Netflix initially approached Edelman, a deal was negotiated with the estate, which was overseen by Comerica Bank & Trust.
However, in 2022, a Minnesota court restructured Prince’s estate, distributing assets among the music company Primary Wave, the newly formed Prince Legacy LLC (consisting of three heirs and attorney L. Londell McMillan), and music producer Charles Spicer. This shift led to a loss of access to the vault for Edelman.
After a preview of the first segment focusing on Prince’s earlier years, the estate representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the portrayal, indicating that they found the content and tone unsatisfactory.
Additionally, 2023 brought another complication when Lisa Nishimura, the Netflix executive responsible for the original deal, was dismissed. When the finished project was presented to the estate, McMillan reportedly provided 17 pages of feedback, alleging that the documentary might inflict “generational harm” on Prince’s legacy.
There are suggestions that McMillan’s concerns are fueled by fears the film could harm Prince’s reputation and diminish the estate’s financial value. The documentary’s length has also emerged as a contentious issue.
Sources indicate that the original agreement with Netflix stipulated a maximum six-hour runtime for the documentary, yet Edelman has refrained from commenting on this matter.
A Netflix spokesperson acknowledged the complexities involved with the documentary, noting, “This project has proved as intricate as Prince himself.”
“We have worked diligently to archive Prince’s life and support Ezra’s vision. However, significant contractual disputes with the estate are hindering the documentary’s release.”
The future of the docu-series remains uncertain, with unanswered questions lingering about its potential visibility. Weiss poignantly stated, “In a twist of fate, it remains locked in the vault.”
For updates on other documentaries, explore topics like the authenticity of Born Evil’s Kristin Bluefin, essential details regarding the Menendez brothers ahead of Monster Season 2, and what became of Worst Ex Ever’s Mei and Rosa.
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