A new "officially sanctioned" documentary on Led Zeppelin has been acquired by Sony Classics Pictures, with a theatrical release set for the future.
A rough cut of the film, Becoming Led Zeppelin, was premiered and reviewed at the Venice Film Festival in September 2021, where it received a ten-minute standing ovation. though failed to make it past that point despite much anticipation from the band's fan base.
According to a press release, the film is "an experiential cinematic odyssey exploring Led Zeppelin‘s creative, musical, and personal origin story."
The now-completed, theatrical version does not yet have a release date, but will include "a brand-new sound mix, newly unearthed material from the archives of all four band members, and exclusive interviews with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones, as well as never-before-heard interviews with the late John Bonham," Deadline reports.
About the film, the band's co-founding guitarist Jimmy Page says, “When I saw the early cut of the film premiered, at the Venice Film Festival, it was amazing. The energy of the story, and the power of the music, is phenomenal.”
“We loved this film from the first moment we saw it. It has been nothing short of extraordinary to witness the organic process Bernard, Allison, and their team have taken to sculpt what has turned out to be THE definitive film on the origins of Led Zeppelin," adds a spokesperson for Sony Classics. "We are honored to be working with such committed artists who have crafted a film that immediately transports you right into the energy and excitement of that time.” The rep went on to note that the film “seamlessly weaves astonishing performances, archival footage, and interviews through superb editing and impeccable sound design. This film is a grand theatrical experience and we are very proud to be bringing it to the world.”
Watch a teaser from the Venice screening below.