Brittany Murphy Documentary Is Coming to HBO Max

Hollywoodreporter.com: HBO Max is revisiting the untimely death of Brittany Murphy, the actress whose surprise 2009 death has been the subject of many conspiracy theories.

The two-part documentary series, from Blumhouse Television and Pyramid Productions, will be a character portrait of the young actress' quick career assent and mysterious end — one that a coroner chalked up to pneumonia, even though Murphy was just 32 years old at the time of her death. Five months later, her widower Simon Monjack was found dead at their Hollywood Hills home after also seemingly succumbing to pneumonia.

“I agreed to do this film because I think it’s a shame that Brittany’s promising life and career has been eclipsed by the circumstances of her death," said director Cynthia Hill. "I think it’s important to celebrate Brittany’s talent as we struggle to explain the tragic circumstances of her and Simon’s deaths.”

A release touting the still-untitled project noted that it will "go beyond the conspiracy theories and headlines" of Murphy's death and feature new interviews with those closest to her as well as previously unseen archival footage. It's the latest docuseries order for HBO Max, which has already released Expecting Amy, Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness, Equal and Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults since its 2020 launch.

“Our Brittany Murphy documentary cuts through the tabloid noise with an elevated, nuanced depiction of a sensational story," said HBO Max evp of non-fiction and live-action family programming, Jennifer O’Connell. "Crafting a grounded account of Brittany Murphy’s life struggles and sudden passing comes with great responsibility and we’ve partnered with a masterful creative team to produce a thoughtful examination of a tragedy that has long been cause for speculation.”

Before she died, Murphy appeared in such films as Clueless, Freeway, Girl, Interrupted, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Don't Say a Word and 8 Mile.

The series is being executive produced by Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold and Mary Lisio for Blumhouse and James Buddy Day.