Prince‘s estate and Netflix are at an impasse regarding a documentary about the late music icon. The disagreement stems from the film’s length, which exceeds the originally agreed-upon duration.
In 2018, Prince’s estate signed a deal with Netflix for a six-hour documentary. Over the years, various changes occurred, including Ava DuVernay’s exit as director and Ezra Edelman’s takeover. Edelman’s final cut, however, runs three hours longer than planned.
“Netflix insists a compromise can still be worked out,” one insider revealed. Yet, sources say Edelman is “not interested in a truncated version.”
Prince Estate’s Concerns
The estate’s issues aren’t solely about length. “The current version of the film does not accurately portray the legendary Prince,” a source stated. The estate has been meticulous, with a member explaining, “You never saw Prince release anything subpar. Everything was carefully curated and fine-tuned. The estate still holds that high standard.”
The estate is now divided between family and rights managers, complicating approvals. Both sides must agree before moving forward.
Prince, a seven-time Grammy winner, passed away in 2016 from an accidental fentanyl overdose at 57. Known for his privacy and perfectionism, his estate is determined to maintain his legacy.
An insider emphasized, “The estate wants to see the documentary released—when it is ready, respectfully—so the world can celebrate his extraordinary life and work.”
Despite the current stalemate, Prince’s estate remains committed to ensuring any released material meets their high standards.
Netflix and the estate continue negotiations, hoping to reach a resolution that honors Prince’s legacy and provides a fitting tribute to his life and career.