Trailer and release date for Janet Jackson documentary revealed
The documentary follows the singer's life and career
Last updated 19th Jan 2022
To celebrate the incredible life and career of American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson, a documentary about her life is due to come out later this month. A trailer for the documentary has now been released, giving fans a taster of what's to come.
The documentary called Janet Jackson, is spilt into two parts, and it has been announced that the documentary will air on Sky Documentaries and NOW over two nights from 31st January. The documentary coincides with the 40th anniversary of Janet's self-titled debut album, which was released in 1982.
Speaking about the film, Janet said: "This is my story, told by me. Not through someone else’s eyes. This is the truth. Take it or leave it. Love it or hate it. This is me.”
The trailer shows viewers what they can expect from the film, including a look into why the singer decided to make the documentary - to the surprise of her family - as she comments: "It's just something that needs to be done."
Watch the trailer for Janet Jackson:
Several celebrities are shown in the trailer, giving their opinion on Janet as a person and performer, including Whoopi Goldberg, Mariah Carey, Samuel L Jackson, Ciara, and Janet's family. Mariah Carey comments: "She's an empowered woman," while Samuel L Jackson describes Janet as "the greatest show woman."
The documentary is five years in the making, and is directed by Ben Hirsch, with Janet Jackson and Randy Jackson as executive producers. The documentary includes unseen footage as well as interviews with Janet, and people who know her and the Jackson family.
The documentary includes key moments from Janet's life from her childhood until now, following the Jacksons' rags to riches story, as well as the sad passing of Janet's father Joe in 2018, as well as her brother Michael's death in 2009.
The description of the four-hour documentary says: 'Janet has enjoyed immense success but also seen incredible tragedy. She has endured a tumultuous private life in the face of extraordinary public scrutiny. With no stone left unturned, Janet Jackson lifts the lid on her private life for the very first time and reveals the most intimate moments of the star ever caught on camera.'
Director Ben Hirsch added: "Janet, who is a notoriously private person, started to open up we soon realised that there was a much bigger story to tell. To get the opportunity to tell her story and delve through never-before-seen personal archives has been fascinating.”
Take a look through some of our favourite biopics:
Tony Wilson (Factory Records) - 24 Hour Party People (2002)
Released in 2002, 24 Hour Party People depicts the story of the Manchester music scene from 1976 to 1992 and the revolutionary independent record label Factory Records. The film begins with the explosion of Punk Rock in the late 1970s, it then moves through the 1980s and into the 'Madchester' rave scene of the 1990s revolving around the famous Haçienda nightclub.
The main character is Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, played by Steve Coogan. The film dramatises events that actually happened, rumours and urban legends surrounding the scene, with characters often breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the viewer. It features the careers of bands including the Happy Mondays, Joy Division, New Order and A Certain Ratio.
Watch the trailer.
Johnny Cash - Walk The Line (2005)
Walk The Line tells the life story of legendary American Country singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. It is based on two of his autobiographies, Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words (1975), and Cash: The Autobiography (1997).
It follows the story from his early life, romance with musician June Carter and his ascent into the domination of the Country music genre. The film was released in November 2005 and stars Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix.
Watch the trailer.
Joy Division - Control (2007)
Control, starring Samantha Morton, Sam Riley and Alexandra Maria Lara follows the late singer Ian Curtis and Joy Division. Starting in 1975, the film begins with teenagers Ian Curtis (Sam Riley) and Debbie Woodruff (Samantha Morton) marrying, before they attend a Sex Pistols concert a year later with some friends who are starting a band.
Eventually after a name change, Joy Division is formed, releasing many iconic hits in the 70s and 80s. The film follows the band in their early years, until the sad death of Ian, after the breakdown of his marriage to Debbie.
Watch the trailer.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
The film Bohemian Rhapsody was released in 2018 and tells the story of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury from his humble beginnings to one of the biggest stars in the world. The film culminates at the legendary Live Aid gig at Wembley Stadium in 1985.
The film became a huge success and increased the popularity of Queen. It was nominated for numerous awards and the production won four times at the 91st Academy Awards including Best Actor for Rami Malek portrayal of Freddie, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
Watch the trailer.
Elton John - Rocketman (2019)
The hugely popular Elton John biopic Rocketman was released in May 2019, following the singer's life from his early years through until the 1980s. Elton wrote a brand new song, '(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again', for the film, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
It starred Taron Egerton as Elton and Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin. Elton's husband David was a co-producer on the film, which also won Taron a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Watch the trailer.
Alan McGee (Creation Records) - Creation Stories (2021)
Released in 2021, Creation Stories tells the story of Alan McGee the founder of Creation Records. The film was adapted by screenwriter Irvine Welsh from the Creation boss' 2013 autobiography of the same name.
Alan McGee founded the independent Creation Records label in 1983 and worked with iconic bands including Primal Scream, The Boo Radleys, The Jesus and Mary Chain and perhaps most famously signed Oasis at their gig in Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in 1993.
Watch the trailer.
Aretha Franklin - Respect (2021)
Respect is a music biopic released in 2021 about the life of one of the greatest American singers and civil rights activists, Aretha Franklin. Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls, portrayed the 'Respect' singer in the film.
Forest Whitaker also starred in the film as C. L. Franklin, Aretha's father, with Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Aretha's husband and manager.
Watch the trailer.
Elvis Presley - Elvis (2022)
As the name suggests, Elvis is a biopic about Elvis Presley. The film follows Elvis (Austin Butler) from his humble beginnings and his Mississippi roots as he becomes a rock and roll icon. Meanwhile his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) guides and controls his fame. The film was released on 24th June 2022 and directed Baz Luhrmann.
Other roles in the biopic are played by Olivia DeJonge (Priscilla Presley), award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (Elvis' mother Gladys), Richard Roxburgh (Elvis' father, Vernon), and Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery (TV director Steve Binder).
Watch the trailer.
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022)
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a film about the incredible life and career of singer and actress Whitney Houston. It was released in December 2022 and stars actress Naomi Ackie as Whitney.
Back in 2021, Naomi spoke to ET about taking on the role, saying: "I'm going to try my best because that woman - it sends shivers down my spine how much she means to me, the world, Black women, African American women. I'm going to throw my everything into making sure she is represented properly.
"I just want to tell her story. And I think when I'm able to simplify it down to that, I'll be able to handle the pressure."
Watch the trailer.
Bob Marley - One Love (2024)
One Love, the biopic about Bob Marley, was released in February 2024. It is a film about the life and career of the reggae legend, with actor Kingsley Ben-Adir playing the lead role in the biopic. A synopsis for the film says: 'Discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.'
The film, which was made in association with the late singer's family also starred huge names including Lashana Lynch, Michael Gandolfini, James Norton and Tosin Cole.
Watch the trailer.
Bob Dylan - A Complete Unknown (2024)
Oscar nominated actor Timothée Chalamet portrays Bob Dylan in the 2024 biopic about the music icon. The film follows the musician's life and career, including his switch from folk to rock music. Work on the film was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it was finally released in 2024.
Along with Timothée Chalamet, the cast includes Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Monica Barbaro.
Watch the trailer.
Now Read:
Janet Jackson thanks fans after ‘Control’ tops charts 35 years after initial release
Documentary following Whitney Houston's early career will come out next year
Elton John releases Inside the Lockdown Sessions documentary