Apple TV+ introduced it was engaged on a documentary about Oprah Winfrey in 2021, however the movie by no means noticed the sunshine of day.
In line with a brand new report from Web page Six, the explanation the doc was placed on maintain was as a result of Winfrey purchased again the rights to the movie about her life to stop it from being aired.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald directed the doc, which highlighted the life and profession of the discuss present host turned media mogul. Nevertheless, in line with Web page Six sources, Winfrey and Macdonald clashed concerning the venture after it was completed.
The documentary was set to be two elements, with MacDonald engaged on the venture with Winfrey’s longtime producer, Lisa Erspamer. In line with the official description, the doc would “chronicle 25 years of American historical past by way of the lens of Winfrey, who rose from humble roots to develop into a globally well-known discuss present host, producer, actress, and philanthropist.”
“Kevin made the movie, however Oprah didn’t prefer it and he refused to vary it, and Oprah has paid again her price to Apple,” an alleged Hollywood supply informed the publication.
A spokesperson for Winfrey informed the outlet, “Because the Apple TV+ deal was coming to an finish, Ms. Winfrey purchased again the rights to her docu-series and has since determined to place the doc on maintain.” Winfrey ended her content material take care of Apple in September 2022.
“Ms. Winfrey believes Lisa Erspamer and Kevin MacDonald are extremely gifted filmmakers and is grateful for the time and power they put into the venture,” the rep added.
One other supply in Winfrey’s camp denied the hypothesis that Macdonald refused to make edits, noting that Winfrey merely determined “it wasn’t the proper time to do a documentary” earlier than making the transfer to purchase it again.
Whereas shopping for again the rights to the doc doubtless price a major sum, sources can’t appear to agree on the precise price. Web page Six cites business sources as speculating Winfrey would have needed to pay hundreds of thousands for the rights, whereas a supply “within the know” denied it was within the seven figures.
Winfrey’s earlier work with Apple TV+ included the chat present The Oprah Conversations and the psychological well being particular The Me You Can’t See in collaboration with Prince Harry. She additionally hosted Oprah’s E book Membership on Apple Books.