The estate administrators of the late music legend Prince find themselves locked in a dispute with streaming behemoth Netflix over a planned documentary that delves into the enigmatic singer’s life.
According to emerging reports, legal representatives for Prince’s estate are withholding approval for the documentary project due to a fundamental disagreement concerning the film’s length. The discord stems from the fact that the current director, Ezra Edelman, has crafted a final cut that spans a lengthy 9 hours, surpassing the original agreement of a 6-hour runtime set during the initial collaboration between the estate and Netflix in 2018.
Despite Netflix’s optimism for finding a middle ground through compromise, sources suggest that Edelman is resolute in his vision and is not inclined to condense the narrative into a shorter format that aligns with the estate’s specifications. Beyond the issue of duration, the estate has also raised concerns about perceived inaccuracies within the documentary content.
Renowned for his reclusive nature and unparalleled stage presence, Prince, a seven-time Grammy Award winner, left an indelible mark on the music industry before his untimely passing in 2016 at the age of 57. Those overseeing his estate, comprised of family members and rights managers, are described as fiercely protective of his legacy, embodying his commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail in all artistic endeavors.
A source intimately involved with the project highlights the estate’s unwavering dedication to upholding Prince’s standards of quality, emphasizing the meticulous curation that defined the artist’s output. Expressing reservations about the current portrayal of Prince in the documentary, the source underscores the estate’s ultimate goal of ensuring that the film accurately captures the essence of the legendary musician.
Despite the current impasse, the estate remains steadfast in its desire to see the documentary released to the world in a manner that befits Prince’s extraordinary life and contributions. With a focus on honoring his legacy and preserving his artistic integrity, the estate seeks to navigate the challenges posed by creative differences and conflicting visions to offer a tribute that truly reflects the essence of the iconic Prince.
Written by
Derek Chan
