Netflix has officially released the trailer for its highly anticipated documentary centered on Gene Simmons, the larger-than-life co-founder and bassist of the legendary rock band KISS. Titled simply Simmons, the film promises an unfiltered look at one of rock’s most iconic — and controversial — figures, tracing his rise from humble beginnings to global superstardom. Within hours of its debut, the trailer began trending across social media platforms, sparking excitement among longtime fans and new audiences eager to see the man behind the makeup.
The documentary, which has been in development for over two years, is produced in collaboration with Simmons himself and acclaimed filmmaker Morgan Neville. The trailer teases a raw and intimate portrayal of Simmons’ life, blending never-before-seen archival footage with new interviews from family members, former bandmates, and a lineup of music legends. Netflix describes it as “a journey through ambition, fame, and the price of immortality.” For a man whose persona has always seemed larger than life, Simmons promises to show the human being beneath the demon.
What immediately stands out in the trailer is its emotional tone — a surprising contrast to the fire-breathing, blood-spitting stage presence that made Gene Simmons a rock icon. Viewers are shown glimpses of his early life in Israel, his immigration to the United States, and the struggles of adapting to a new world while chasing the American dream. Simmons’ voice narrates parts of the trailer, reflecting on the tension between his relentless drive for success and his desire for personal connection. “I always wanted to be the biggest,” he says. “But sometimes, being the biggest means being alone.”
Fans are particularly intrigued by the documentary’s promise to explore Simmons’ complicated relationships — not only with his bandmates, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, but also with his family. His wife, Shannon Tweed, and their children, Nick and Sophie, appear in candid interviews discussing the cost of living life in the public eye. “People think they know Gene Simmons,” Shannon says in the trailer. “But they’ve never seen him like this.” The footage suggests that the documentary won’t shy away from the controversies and tensions that have defined his career.
From the electric heights of KISS’s world domination in the 1970s and 80s to the band’s near collapse and ultimate resurgence, Simmons captures every high and low. The trailer flashes images of packed arenas, magazine covers, and moments of backstage chaos — juxtaposed with scenes of a quieter, older Gene reflecting on legacy, mortality, and what it truly means to live as a rock legend. “Every night, you put on the armor,” Simmons says in one poignant scene. “But when the lights go out, you take it off, and you face yourself.”
The film also promises to dig deep into the business side of Simmons’ empire — his branding genius, merchandising ventures, and unapologetic approach to fame and fortune. For decades, he has been both admired and criticized for his capitalist mindset, and the documentary doesn’t hold back. “He built an empire from nothing,” one interviewer remarks, “but he also built walls.” This blend of admiration and introspection gives Simmons the weight of a true character study rather than a simple celebration.
Netflix has confirmed that the documentary will feature appearances from several prominent figures in the music industry, including Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Grohl, and Paul Stanley, all sharing their unique perspectives on Simmons’ influence. Combined with rare performance footage and newly restored clips from KISS’s early tours, the film promises to be as visually thrilling as it is emotionally revealing. Early critics who viewed the trailer have already called it “a rock documentary with heart — fierce, funny, and unexpectedly profound.”
As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: Simmons is not just a story about a rock star — it’s about ambition, identity, and the cost of chasing greatness. For decades, Gene Simmons has been the face of excess and theatricality, but in this upcoming Netflix release, audiences will finally meet the man behind the mask. With its premiere set for early 2026, fans across the world are counting down the days until they can watch this intimate portrait of a rock god who changed the face of music forever.
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