Netflix has officially announced the cancellation of a highly debated documentary focusing on the life and legacy of Prince, which had been in development since 2018. This documentary generated significant controversy due to various disputes regarding its content and direction, leading to its eventual downfall. Despite the anticipation surrounding the project, it seems that creative differences and contractual issues have ultimately thwarted its release.

The conflict began when award-winning director Ezra Edelman, known for his work on O.J.: Made in America, submitted a substantial nine hours of footage instead of the originally agreed six hours. This deviation was reported to be a breach of contract, sparking disagreements among the parties involved. As a result, the estate of Prince seized the opportunity to withhold permission for the use of his music, citing dissatisfaction with some of the documentary’s proposed elements.

READ MORE: Prince’s Lawyer Claims Documentary Mixes ‘Facts With Falsehoods’

Last year, reports surfaced indicating that the documentary was effectively ?dead in the water,? amid claims that it depicted darker aspects of Prince?s character without adequate fact-checking. This led a representative from Prince’s estate to express concern, stating that the show ?would do generational harm to Prince,? raising serious questions about the portrayal of the iconic artist.

In a statement to Variety on February 6, Netflix revealed that the Prince Estate and the streaming service had reached a mutual agreement. This arrangement will enable the estate to create and produce a new documentary that features exclusive content sourced from Prince’s extensive archive. Consequently, it was confirmed that the original Netflix documentary will not be made available to the public.

In a possible nod to the new direction, the estate remarked that ?the vault has been freed,? although they did not disclose any specific plans for an alternative documentary project at this time, leaving fans and followers eager for updates. Additionally, it was announced that Prince’s 1992 Glam Slam concert, which was included in the 2023 Diamonds and Pearls box set, would soon be available for individual purchase on triple vinyl this upcoming Record Store Day.

Insight into the Prince Documentary: A ?Cursed Masterpiece?

The documentary was described by a previewer from the New York Times as ?a cursed masterpiece that the public may never be allowed to see.? It was said to depict Prince as a complex figure, embodying both ?pure sex and mischief? alongside darker traits such as vindictiveness and sadness. The portrayal of this multifaceted artist, who liberated so many through his music, also unveiled a side that could be described as pathologically controlling and troubled, making the film sometimes uncomfortable to witness.

The documentary’s content reportedly included sensitive details about Prince?s personal relationships, with allegations from former partners accusing him of both physical and emotional abuse. Last year, Edelman was said to be ?devastated? that four years of hard work were left in limbo, highlighting the emotional toll this project had on its creators.