Prince vs. Netflix: Shocking Twist In Documentary Battle

A controversial Prince documentary, long in the making, has officially been shelved. The six-hour film, directed by Ezra Edelman, had been under development for over four years. However, it’s now been halted, with the Prince Estate and Netflix reaching a mutual agreement that allows the estate to produce a new documentary using exclusive content from Prince’s legendary vault.

Netflix confirmed the news on Thursday, February 6, announcing that the highly anticipated documentary would no longer be released. The statement explained that the agreement would open the door for the Prince Estate to create a fresh documentary showcasing rare archive material. The Prince Estate’s official X account also chimed in, posting a clip with the caption “The Vault Has Been Freed #FREE,” marking the conclusion of the long-running dispute.

Though the announcement may seem sudden, it’s not entirely surprising. Last summer, representatives from Prince’s estate raised concerns about “dramatic” factual inaccuracies in the first cut of the film. They also expressed unease over what they considered “sensationalized” depictions of certain events.

Ezra Edelman, the director behind the acclaimed O.J.: Made in America, had been granted extensive access to Prince’s archives. However, he reportedly submitted nine hours of footage, exceeding the contracted three-hour limit, which likely led to the estate withholding music rights. A New York Times article from September 2024 revealed that the documentary featured sensitive content, including a controversial account of a fight between Prince and his ex-girlfriend Jill Jones, as well as intimate details of his troubled past, personal relationships, and career.

Despite the delays and controversies surrounding the documentary, the Prince Estate’s decision to create a new film promises to deliver a more respectful and accurate portrayal of the late music icon’s legacy.

source: variety.com