Long-awaited Prince documentary blocked and “dead in the water” after multiple disputes
A long-awaited Prince documentary has been blocked and is said to be “dead in the water” after multiple disputes.
It comes after representatives for the late artist’s estate claimed a first cut of the Netflix film was filled with “dramatic” factual inaccuracies and “sensationalised” renderings of certain events from his life, according to Variety.
Ezra Edelman, best known for his work on the O.J.: Made In America documentary, has been working on the film for the past four years after he replaced Ava DuVernay.
The director was given extensive access to Prince’s archives and produced a cut of the film that was reportedly screened recently for insiders.
Sources are said to have told Variety that the estate felt strongly that certain events had been “sensationalised” and not properly fact-checked, and that those claims were met with opposition by Edelman while other sources reportedly insisted it was more about “control,” and the estate felt the documentary was not sufficiently positive.
The deal for the documentary also called for a six-hour series but Edelman reportedly delivered nine hours, which is said to be a violation of the agreement.
Despite their differences, a willingness by all parties to compromise has since been suggested.
Edelman, Netflix and Prince’s estate are yet to officially comment publicly on the documentary.
Meanwhile, a judge recently issued a decision regarding a legal battle over half of Prince’s estate, and ruled in favour of the late music icon’s former business advisors.
Prince died of a fentanyl overdose in 2016, and as he had no will, his six heirs were left to inherit equal parts in his estate. It also sparked a long legal battle over how the estate would be managed going forward.
Elsewhere, last month it was reported that the artist’s classic 1984 album ‘Purple Rain’ would be receiving a new audio-immersive Dolby Atmos re-issue for its 40th anniversary.
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Damian Jones
NME
