Netflix Announces Production of “Blackmore: Shadows and Strings” – The Untold Story of Ritchie Blackmore

Netflix has officially begun production on Blackmore: Shadows and Strings, a powerful new documentary chronicling the life, rebellion, and reinvention of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.

Best known as the mastermind behind Deep Purple and Rainbow, and later for his dramatic departure into renaissance and medieval folk rock with Blackmore’s Night, the film will trace the icon’s journey from the shadowy corners of early British rock to the global stage—and back again.

According to Netflix insiders, the documentary will feature never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive interviews with former bandmates, industry legends, and Blackmore himself. It will explore his meteoric rise in the ‘70s with Deep Purple, his uncompromising nature, and the creative clashes that shaped some of the most powerful riffs in rock history—including the iconic Smoke on the Water.

But Shadows and Strings won’t stop at the Marshall stacks. The film will also dive deep into Ritchie’s quieter, more mysterious later years with Blackmore’s Night, where he traded distortion for the delicate sounds of lutes and harpsichords—shocking fans and critics alike.

Netflix says the documentary won’t shy away from the more controversial aspects of Blackmore’s career, including his well-known tension with fellow musicians, his reclusive personality, and his refusal to bow to commercial pressure. But it will also highlight a side rarely seen: his dry humor, deep love of melody, and a lifelong obsession with the sound of emotion.

“There’s no one like Ritchie Blackmore,” says the film’s director (who remains unnamed for now). “He’s one of the few guitarists who can bend a note and make you feel it in your gut—or disappear completely and still remain a legend. This documentary is about that paradox.”

Set for release sometime in 2026, the film promises to be a raw, intimate look into one of rock’s most enigmatic minds. Fans can expect a mix of performance footage, rare behind-the-scenes glimpses, and a haunting original score inspired by Blackmore’s classical leanings.