In an exciting move that will thrill music lovers and rock fans around the world, Netflix has confirmed a multi-million dollar documentary focusing on the iconic Australian rock band INXS. Set to be released in 2025, the documentary promises to delve deep into the highs and lows of the band’s extraordinary career, from their explosive rise to fame in the ’80s to the tragic loss of frontman Michael Hutchence, and their ongoing legacy in the world of music.
A New Chapter for INXS: The Netflix Documentary
INXS, one of the most influential and beloved rock bands of all time, became known for their distinctive sound blending rock, funk, and new wave. The band, originally formed in Sydney in 1977, experienced massive success with hit albums like Kick (1987) and chart-topping singles such as “Need You Tonight” and “New Sensation.” Their unique blend of rock energy and pop appeal earned them a global fanbase and critical acclaim, especially in the 1980s and ’90s.
However, the documentary will not simply revisit the band’s commercial successes. With unprecedented access to never-before-seen footage, interviews, and archival material, Netflix’s documentary aims to paint a holistic portrait of the group — their relationships, personal struggles, and the complex dynamics that shaped their journey.
The Focus: Michael Hutchence’s Legacy
At the heart of the documentary will be Michael Hutchence, the charismatic and enigmatic frontman whose tragic death in 1997 left a profound void in both the music industry and in the hearts of INXS fans. Hutchence was the charismatic leader who gave INXS its signature style, combining sultry vocals, magnetic stage presence, and an undeniable aura of rock star rebellion.
Michael’s death, ruled as suicide, remains one of the most talked-about and devastating moments in rock history. Hutchence’s mental health struggles, his turbulent relationships, and the pressures of fame are all expected to be major themes explored in the documentary. The project will address the impact of his passing not only on the band but on the people who loved him most, including his family, friends, and fellow bandmates.
Speaking about the documentary, Andrew Farriss, the band’s founding member and primary songwriter, commented:
“Michael was the soul of INXS, and his loss is something we will never fully come to terms with. This documentary is a chance to reflect on his genius and honor his memory in a way that fans and the world can connect with. It’s been a long journey, but we’re finally ready to tell our story.”
Exploring INXS’s Triumphs and Struggles
While Michael Hutchence’s story will undoubtedly take center stage, the documentary will also shine a light on the entire band’s journey. From the early days of forming INXS in the late ’70s, to their breakthrough album Shabooh Shoobah (1982), to their world-conquering success with Kick and beyond, the film will explore the band’s evolution and the challenges they faced along the way. The members will reflect on their rise to fame, the tensions that arose within the band, and the various attempts to find a new frontman after Hutchence’s death.
For years, INXS fans have been curious about the band’s post-Hutchence era, during which the band experimented with new singers through reality TV shows like Rock Star: INXS in 2005. This phase of the band’s journey, and how they grappled with the challenge of replacing an irreplaceable frontman, is set to be another key theme explored in the documentary.
The Making of the Documentary
The Netflix documentary, which has reportedly been in development for several years, will be produced by Pulse Films, the production company behind successful documentaries such as The Defiant Ones (2017) and The Last Dance (2020). The film is being helmed by John Battsek, an award-winning producer known for his work on rock documentaries, including Searching for Sugar Man (2012), which won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
The team has gained access to an extensive trove of archival footage, including rare live performances, personal home videos, and interviews with band members, family, and close friends of Michael Hutchence. Notably, the documentary will also feature new interviews with the surviving members of INXS, who will reflect on their journey, the creative process, and the impact of Michael’s loss on their personal and professional lives.
“This documentary will be an emotional journey, a reflection of our band’s incredible ride, and a tribute to Michael’s memory. We are opening up more than ever before,” says Kirk Pengilly, the band’s guitarist and longtime friend of Hutchence.
Release Date and Expectations
The much-anticipated documentary is set to be released globally on Netflix in 2025, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of INXS’s formation. With this significant milestone, the documentary will serve as both a celebration of the band’s legacy and a reckoning with the past — particularly the loss of Hutchence, who was the driving force behind INXS’s success.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see the story behind the music — the struggles, the triumphs, and the people who shaped one of the greatest rock bands of all time. With the documentary set to offer a personal and emotional perspective, it is expected to draw both die-hard INXS fans and newcomers alike.
Why This Documentary Matters
This documentary matters not just because of INXS’s musical legacy, but because of the emotional and personal journey it will take audiences on. Michael Hutchence was more than just a rock star; he was a cultural icon, a symbol of the complexity and tragedy of fame. His life and death left behind questions that many fans still ask to this day.
By bringing this story to Netflix, the filmmakers are giving Hutchence’s family, bandmates, and fans the opportunity to say goodbye and celebrate his life in a way that does justice to his genius. It’s a love letter to the band, to Michael, and to the fans who’ve kept INXS’s music alive for decades.
A Legacy That Lives On
With the announcement of the documentary, INXS’s influence and Michael Hutchence’s legacy are poised to take center stage once again. For new generations of listeners and fans, this will be an opportunity to experience the story behind the band that became the soundtrack of an era. And for longtime fans, it will be a chance to reflect on the triumphs and heartbreaks of a band that changed the course of rock history.
Get ready to dive deep into the world of INXS. The music, the fame, the personal turmoil, and the extraordinary impact of Michael Hutchence will be coming to Netflix in 2025 — and it’s going to be one unforgettable ride.
Stay tuned for more updates on the documentary and the official release date.
