In 2000, Eminem’s song “Stan” inadvertently coined a now commonplace term for obsessive fans. The song revolves around the titular character who keeps attempting to reach out to the rapper. But the star’s lack of response to his frequent letters eventually sends him into a deadly spiral. Never one to shy away from his controversial contributions to pop culture, Eminem will be co-producing “Stans,” a documentary about the phenomenon.
“Stans” will be directed by Steven Leckart (“Challenger: The Final Flight”). As told by one of the world’s most iconic and enduring artists and the fans that worship him, the film will be a revealing, edgy, and personal journey into the world of superfans. Eminem will produce under his Shady Films banner, alongside DIGA Studios and Hill District Media. Paramount/MTV will be handling the initial distribution.
“’Stans’ will be the opportunity for us to to turn the camera around and ask the audience about being fans — and in some cases, fanatics,” Shady Films’ Stuart Parr and Eminem’s manager Paul Rosenberg said. “This is a study of the relationship between fanbase and artist through the lens of one of Eminem’s most fascinating songs and one of the world’s most important entertainers.”
“Paul Rosenberg and I have known each other since my days on MTV’s ‘TRL,’ a show that was driven by the power of fandom, bringing artists and their fans together,” added Tony DiSanto, DIGA CEO and a former MTV executive. “So when he told me about the idea for this film, it felt like we had come full circle. ‘Stans’ will explore the complex relationship between fame and super fandom, told through the lens of one of the world’s most Iconic artists, Eminem, his music, and, especially, his most extreme fans.”
“Stans” will be released sometime later this year. We will keep you posted on updates as they become available. In the meantime you can check out the NSFW song that started it all below:
