Netflix Announces Production of Marillion Documentary: “Misplaced Childhood” in the Spotlight

Netflix in Talks to Chronicle Prog Legends in Bold New Doc: “Misplaced Childhood: The Marillion Story”

What if one of progressive rock’s most enduring and underrated bands finally got the deep-dive documentary treatment it deserves?

Rumors are swirling through the music and film communities that Netflix may be quietly developing a feature-length documentary centered around Marillion, the British neo-prog pioneers whose cult following and decades-long career have long flown under the mainstream radar.

Tentatively titled “Misplaced Childhood: The Marillion Story,” the speculative project is said to explore the band’s meteoric rise in the 1980s, the dramatic departure of original frontman Fish, and how the group defied the odds to not only survive—but thrive—with Steve Hogarth at the helm for over three decades.

“It would be about more than just the music,” a source close to the production hinted, “It’s about loyalty, reinvention, and a band that’s refused to be erased.”

While Netflix has not confirmed the project, industry insiders note that the streamer has been quietly acquiring music rights related to Marillion’s catalog, and a few key production staff from past Netflix hits like “This Is Pop” and “The Defiant Ones” have reportedly been spotted in London near Racket Club Studios, the band’s recording base.

The film would hypothetically trace the band’s formation in Aylesbury in 1979, their breakthrough with 1985’s “Misplaced Childhood,” and the dramatic split with Fish after 1987’s “Clutching at Straws.” It would also highlight their surprising resurrection in the ’90s, including their groundbreaking use of crowdfunding—years before Kickstarter even existed.

For longtime fans, the potential for rare behind-the-scenes footage, new interviews with Fish and Hogarth, and commentary from prog icons like Steven Wilson or Mike Portnoy would be nothing short of a dream come true.

Marillion has never quite fit the commercial mold, but in recent years they’ve seen a quiet resurgence. The band’s 2022 album “An Hour Before It’s Dark” was hailed as one of their best in decades, and younger prog and alt-rock fans are discovering their deep, emotionally complex catalog.

*“If this happens,” one fan posted on Reddit, “Marillion might finally get the recognition they were always owed.”

Still, Netflix has neither confirmed nor denied the documentary, and any current discussions may be early-stage or speculative.

Until then, fans will keep hoping.

After all, if Netflix can dig up hidden gems like Fanny and bring metal legends like Accept to the screen, why not shine a cinematic light on Marillion, the quiet giants of prog?