Netflix Pulls Plug on Jim Morrison Doc After Backlash Over “Dramatic” Inaccuracies

Jim Morrison Netflix Documentary Cancelled Amid Claims of Sensationalism and Inaccuracies

A long-awaited documentary chronicling the life of legendary Doors frontman Jim Morrison has officially been cancelled by Netflix, putting an end to a project that had been in development for over four years. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ezra Edelman, the six-hour feature was set to offer an in-depth look into Morrison’s complex life, artistry, and legacy — but has now been shelved indefinitely.

The cancellation follows months of tension between the filmmakers and Morrison’s estate. Last summer, representatives for the late rock icon’s estate raised red flags after reviewing early cuts of the documentary. They described several elements as “dramatic” distortions of the truth, and claimed that key scenes were “sensationalized” for cinematic effect rather than staying grounded in factual accuracy.

According to sources familiar with the matter, some close to Morrison felt that the film leaned too heavily on myth rather than reality — presenting embellished or exaggerated moments that, while gripping, strayed far from Morrison’s actual lived experience. Despite Edelman’s prior success with biographical storytelling in his acclaimed O.J.: Made in Americadocumentary, this latest project seems to have struck a nerve with Morrison’s inner circle.

The scrapped film, which was reportedly nearing completion, was also expected to feature never-before-seen footage from “the vault,” a rare and heavily protected archive of personal recordings, photographs, and artifacts tied to Morrison and The Doors. With the cancellation, those materials may now be redirected toward a different, more carefully curated project in the future.

Netflix has not released an official statement about the decision, but sources suggest that legal and ethical concerns raised by Morrison’s estate played a significant role in pulling the plug.

For fans of Jim Morrison and classic rock history, the news is sure to be a disappointment — but also a reminder of the ongoing struggle between artistic storytelling and protecting the legacies of cultural icons.