Netflix Cancels Controversial Nine-Hour Prince Documentary

Netflix Cancels Controversial Nine-Hour Prince Documentary

Netflix executives have decided to cancel the release of a highly anticipated documentary about the legendary musician Prince. The nine-hour film, directed by Ezra Edelman, had drawn significant controversy, especially after reports last September revealed that Prince’s estate had attempted to prevent its release.

Journalists at The New York Times reported that the executors of the late singer’s estate were concerned that the film misrepresented the iconic artist, known for hits like “Purple Rain.”

Following this, representatives for The Prince Estate and Netflix issued a joint statement on Thursday announcing that the documentary would no longer be released. Instead, they revealed plans to collaborate on a new project that would feature exclusive content from Prince’s personal archive.

“The Prince Estate and Netflix have come to a mutual agreement that will allow the estate to develop and produce a new documentary featuring exclusive content from Prince’s archive,” the statement read. “As a result, the Netflix documentary will not be released.”

Ezra Edelman, the director of the acclaimed O.J.: Made in America, has yet to publicly comment on the decision.

In celebration of the new agreement, The Prince Estate posted a montage of the late artist’s photos set to his 1982 hit song “Free” on Instagram. The caption, which read “The Vault Has Been Freed. #FREE,” expressed excitement over the upcoming project.

The Prince Estate is jointly controlled by Primary Wave Music, which acquired its share in 2021, and Prince Legacy, a company overseen by a team of relatives and managers.

Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson, tragically passed away in April 2016 at the age of 57 due to an accidental fentanyl overdose.