UNIVERSAL PICTURES CONTENT GROUP ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL UNTITLED IRON MAIDEN FEATURE DOCUMENTARY IN 2025
Featuring exclusive interviews with band members past and present, never seen before footage, and brings their iconic mascot Eddie to life with spectacular animation.
Universal Pictures Content Group announce it has commenced production on an official untitled Iron Maiden feature documentary. Universal Pictures Content Group hold global rights and Universal Pictures International is set to release in cinemas internationally in Fall 2025, coinciding with the band’s 50th anniversary year. US theatrical distribution is yet to be confirmed.
The long-awaited documentary is an emotive journey through Iron Maiden’s 50 Year history told from the perspective of both the band and some of their most devoted followers – from longstanding superfans to established names from the worlds of film and music such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Gene Simmons. The documentary will also feature exclusive interviews with pivotal band members including the final interview with original vocalist, Paul Di’Anno who sadly died last year.
Featuring rare archival footage and all-new animated sequences of the band’s legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a unique visual experience that highlights Iron Maiden’s widespread impact and the strong connection between the band and their truly global army of fans. The film also explores the cultural movement Iron Maiden has helped shape and their enduring legacy in both music and fan culture, challenging common perceptions of the wider significance of rock music and heavy metal.
Iron Maiden were formed in east London 50 years ago in 1975 and were seen to pioneer the globally inspiring new wave of British heavy metal movement. They have sold well over 100 million records worldwide, performing more than 2500 concerts in 64 countries across 6 continents. Later this year they will add to this number as they embark on their huge Run For Your Lives Tour starting in Budapest, Hungary in May.
Helen Parker – Executive Vice President, Universal Pictures Content Group and Exec Producer said: “We’re thrilled Iron Maiden have entrusted us to bring their legacy to cinemas around the world. Working closely with the band and their passionate fans has been an unrivalled experience allowing us to tell their story in a unique way and celebrate their incomparable fearless creativity in their 50th anniversary year.”
Rod Smallwood – Manager, Iron Maiden said: “We’re proud Universal Pictures Content Group has chosen to share the unique story of Iron Maiden with the world. We have given them unrestricted access to the band, our fans and musical peers. We trust that they will excite not only music fans but also anyone who loves a story of an underdog beating the odds to become and remain one of Britain’s biggest musical exports since our first record released 45 years ago.”
The official untitled Iron Maiden documentary is directed by Malcolm Venville (Churchill at War) and produced by Dominic Freeman (Spirits in the Forest – A Depeche Mode Film). EVP Universal Pictures Content Group Helen Parker (Bogart: Life Comes in Flashes) serves as Exec Producer.
Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams – The Official Visual History will see a hardcover release this fall, chronicling 50 years of band history.
The book features never-before-seen items and photos and begins by taking fans back to the pubs Iron Maiden would frequently play as early as 1975.
After enduring frequent lineup changes, Iron Maiden secured a record deal in 1979. From there, they blazed a path as one of metal’s pioneering bands and greatest live acts with a deep catalog of beloved releases.
The origin and evolution of Eddie will also be a focal point with additional commentary from iconic artist Derek Riggs.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised at some of the stuff that I’ve managed to unearth for this book,” enthuses Steve Harris. “I knew I had kept a lot of things from the early days but they have lasted really well and the photography has brought them back to life. I hope the fans are going to love looking at all the stuff presented like this! It’s the right time to bring it all together for part of our 50th celebrations.”
Tristan de Lancey, Creative Director at Thames & Hudson, comments, “Iron Maiden is an institution. Hailed as pioneers of British heavy metal in the 1980s, the band has come to embody a spirit of fearless creative independence and ferocious dedication to their fans that has won them a huge following around the world and across generations. With astonishing archival access and more meticulous, hands-on participation from the band than I ever thought possible, we have been gifted the tools to create something beautiful, comprehensive and unique which, I have no doubt, raises the bar for illustrated books in this music genre. Every page will surprise and delight its audience – just don’t expect metal fans to be the only ones who buy it!”
