In a surprising move, Oprah Winfrey has reportedly bought back the rights to a documentary about her life that was set to air on Apple TV+. The two-part documentary, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald, had been in production for several years. However, sources reveal that creative differences between Winfrey and Macdonald led to the media mogul’s decision to prevent its release.
According to PageSix, insiders say Winfrey was not satisfied with the final cut of the film, which Macdonald had refused to alter. “Kevin made the film, but Oprah didn’t like it and he refused to change it,” a source close to the situation explained. As a result, Winfrey opted to buy back the rights to ensure the documentary would not see the light of day, at least for now.
Creative Disputes and the Decision to Delay
Although some reports suggested that Macdonald was unwilling to make changes, a source from Winfrey’s team offered a different perspective. “It wasn’t the right time to do a documentary,” the source claimed, stating that Winfrey’s decision was not due to any direct refusal by Macdonald. Instead, it appears that Winfrey had second thoughts about releasing the film at this stage in her career.
Winfrey’s representative echoed this sentiment, saying, “Ms. Winfrey believes Lisa Erspamer and Kevin Macdonald are incredibly talented filmmakers and is grateful for the time and energy they put into the project.” Despite her appreciation, the documentary has been placed on indefinite hold.
A Costly Move for Oprah Winfrey
The financial implications of this decision remain unclear, though some estimates suggest Winfrey may have paid millions to regain control of the documentary. While some industry insiders claim the buyback was in the six-figure range, others speculate it could have cost much more. Regardless of the exact amount, this move underscores Winfrey’s commitment to managing her public image and storytelling.
This is not the first time Winfrey has pulled a documentary. In 2020, she dropped a documentary on Russell Simmons just days before its Sundance premiere. The fate of her life story doc remains uncertain.