Iron Maiden is set to be the subject of an official documentary that will chronicle their extensive career as icons of British heavy metal.
The currently untitled film is slated for release in cinemas this autumn in celebration of Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary. It will feature interviews with the band, including the final interview with early member Paul Di’Anno, who passed away last year.
The documentary will trace their journey from the gritty streets of east London to achieving five UK No. 1 albums and staging elaborate, theatrical arena shows. Superfans such as Kiss’s Gene Simmons, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, and actor Javier Bardem will also provide insights.
In addition to archival footage, the film will incorporate new animated sequences featuring the band’s iconic mascot, Eddie.
Promotional materials describe the project as “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.”
A subsidiary of Universal Pictures is producing the documentary, with Malcolm Venville directing.
Iron MaidenThe British filmmaker is known for his work on historical figures, including the 2024 miniseries Churchill at War and a drama trilogy focusing on U.S. presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden’s manager, expressed confidence in the project, stating that Venville and his team were granted “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.”
Although Iron Maiden’s commercial peak was in the 1980s—highlighted by hit albums such as The Number of the Beast, which achieved double platinum status in the UK—the band remains highly active.
Their most recent album, 2021’s Senjutsu, reached No. 2 on the UK charts and received critical acclaim. The Guardian awarded it five stars, calling it “eccentric, bombastic heavy metal at its finest.”
To further commemorate their 50th anniversary, Iron Maiden will embark on their 26th world tour. The first leg of the Run for Your Lives tour kicks off on May 27 in Budapest and will span across Europe until August 2, including a performance at London Stadium on June 28.
