Sir Elton John’s official documentary is headed to Disney+ after the streaming giant reportedly closed a deal worth $30 million. The film, which will cover his final concerts and the early years of his career, will enjoy a festival run and limited theatrical release along with being available to stream exclusively on Disney+.
Deadline reports that the film, with a working title of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances and the Years That Made His Legend, will be “the official feature” on the British veteran, featuring “unseen concert footage of him over the past 50 years, handwritten journals and present-day footage of him and his family.”
“There are no superlatives left to describe Elton John and his impact on music and culture — he’s simply unrivaled,” Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said. “Like a good Disney story, Elton’s music has both universal appeal and the ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. He has been part of the Disney family since 1994 when he helped make The Lion King an instant classic, and we could not be more excited to collaborate with him on this new documentary.”
Production of the film is helmed by award-winning director R.J. Cutler, who directed another high-profile music documentary, Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry, which so to Apple TV+ for a purported $25 million.
“Working with R.J. Cutler and David Furnish on what will undoubtedly become the definitional film about the iconic Elton John is a great honor,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television. “Their incredible vision and intimate access to exclusive, never-before-seen anecdotes and footage will provide the deepest, most captivating insight yet into one of the world’s most beloved and prolific artists.”
Cutler added: “What a thrill and an honor it is that David Furnish and I get to create this intimate and unique look at one of the world’s most celebrated artists. As it has for so many others, Elton John’s music has had deep meaning for me for decades, and this opportunity is nothing short of a career highlight and privilege.”
While the $30 million deal is nothing to sneeze at, it’s hardly a drop in the bucket for the Rocket Man, who has amassed a fortune worth $500 million.
Source: Deadline, TV Insider