Netflix releases Trailer for the highly anticipated Jim Morrison’s documentary “A tale of the Lizard King”

Netflix’s highly anticipated documentary on Jim Morrison, titled A Tale of the Lizard King, was set to delve into the enigmatic life and legacy of the legendary frontman of The Doors. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ezra Edelman, the six-hour feature aimed to offer an in-depth look into Morrison’s complex life, artistry, and legacy. The documentary promised to explore his troubled youth, meteoric rise to fame, and the creative genius behind iconic albums like The Doors (1967) and L.A. Woman (1971) .

However, the project faced significant challenges. Morrison’s estate raised concerns over early cuts of the documentary, describing several elements as “dramatic” distortions of the truth. They claimed that key scenes were “sensationalized” for cinematic effect rather than staying grounded in factual accuracy. Some close to Morrison felt that the film leaned too heavily on myth rather than reality, presenting embellished or exaggerated moments that strayed far from Morrison’s actual lived experience .

Despite Edelman’s prior success with biographical storytelling, this latest project struck a nerve with Morrison’s inner circle. The filmmakers reportedly had access to 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. However, due to the backlash, the documentary was shelved indefinitely.

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 a disappointment, highlighting the ongoing struggle between artistic storytelling and protecting the legacies of cultural icons.