R.J. Cutler's feature documentary will chronicle the legendary entertainer's extraordinary life through rare archival footage and candid new interviews.
Disney+ is giving fans an intimate look at one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. A new feature documentary chronicling the life and career of legendary actress, singer, and author Julie Andrews is set to premiere globally on the streaming service in 2027. An official title for the project will be announced at a later date.
The documentary will be directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker R.J. Cutler, whose previous work includes the documentaries Billie Eilish: The World's A Little Blurry and Martha.
Described as the definitive portrait of Andrews' life, the film promises an in-depth exploration of her remarkable journey from a child performer in British vaudeville to becoming one of the most celebrated entertainers in film history. While audiences around the world know Andrews for iconic performances in Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and The Princess Diaries, the documentary will also examine the personal struggles, resilience, and determination that shaped her extraordinary career.
Most people don't know the extraordinary challenges she's had to overcome throughout her life.
It will all feature rare, never-before-seen archival footage alongside candid new interviews with Andrews, offering viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the woman behind some of cinema's most enduring characters.
"Julie Andrews is not simply a beloved performer," director R.J. Cutler said. "She is a cultural touchstone, a figure woven into the fabric of how generations of people understand joy, resilience, and grace. Most people don't know the extraordinary challenges she's had to overcome throughout her life, all of which we delve into in this film."
He added, "To sit with Julie, to be allowed into her inner world, to watch her reflect on a life that has shaped so many other lives was an experience I will forever cherish. She gave us her full self, without armor, without pretense. And what we found was someone even more extraordinary than the icon. I am humbled by her talent, in awe of her strength, and honored by her trust."
This Machine is producing the documentary, the Sony Pictures Television-backed production company founded by Cutler in 2020. Cutler also serves as producer alongside Trevor Smith, Elise Pearlstein, Jane Cha Cutler, and Jonathan Ruane, with Mark Blatty serving as executive producer.
Andrews has enjoyed one of the most celebrated careers in entertainment history. She began performing professionally at just 12 years old, touring Great Britain in vaudeville alongside her mother and stepfather before launching a successful solo career. Her extraordinary four-octave soprano voice soon brought her to Broadway, where she starred in The Boy Friend, followed by career-defining performances as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Guenevere in Camelot opposite Richard Burton.
Hollywood soon followed. Walt Disney personally cast Andrews as the magical nanny in Mary Poppins, a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe. She quickly cemented her place as one of cinema's biggest stars with The Sound of Music, which became one of the highest-grossing and most beloved musicals of all time.
Throughout her decades-long career, Andrews has appeared in more than 30 feature films, including Victor/Victoria, 10, S.O.B., and the Princess Diaries films. Beyond acting, she has also worked extensively in television, theater, and directing.
Even today, Andrews remains active in the entertainment industry. She provides the voice of the mysterious Lady Whistledown in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton and narrates the Jane Austen Stories podcast. She is also an accomplished author, having co-written more than 35 books with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. Their latest children's book, Shy, is scheduled for release on Aug. 11.
The documentary also continues Cutler's impressive body of nonfiction work. His company, This Machine, has become one of the industry's leading documentary producers, with recent projects including Martha, Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful, Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series, Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop, The Disappearance of Shere Hite, Big Vape, and the Oscar-nominated Elton John: Never Too Late. Upcoming productions also include a documentary about the late singer Olivia Newton-John.
The Julie Andrews documentary adds another high-profile original to Disney+'s growing slate of documentary programming. The streaming service continues to expand its collection of premium nonfiction films featuring some of the world's most influential cultural figures.
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