After multiple disputes, Netflix has dropped director Ezra Edelman’s project about Prince‘s life. Edelman, known for his work on the O.J.: Made in America documentary, is said to be ‘devastated’ over the block as he’s been working on the film for the past four years.
Prince’s estate representatives claimed that the film’s first cut contained ‘dramatic’ factual inaccuracies and’ sensationalized’ renderings of certain events from his life. Recently, a judge ruled in favor of the late musician’s business advisors to equally inherit his estate since Prince left no will upon his death in 2016. Despite Edelman having extensive access to Prince’s archives, estate reps felt the film was not “sufficiently positive,” leading to conflict over editorial control.
Edelman also violated Netflix’s agreement with the estate by delivering nine hours of screening when the deal called for six, enabling the estate to withhold music rights. Edelman, Netflix, and Prince’s Estate have yet to comment on the documentary block publicly.
