WarnerMedia’s streaming service HBO Max will debut a new two-part documentary series, What Happened, Brittany Murphy?, with both episodes arriving on the platform Thursday, October 14. Produced by Blumhouse Television and Pyramid Productions, the documentary is an intimate, in-depth character portrait of actress Brittany Murphy, going beyond the headlines to explore the mysterious circumstances surrounding her tragic death at 32 years old.
A captivating actress as effervescent on-screen as she was off, Murphy was a rising star whose movies helped define a generation. But in 2009, Murphy’s untimely passing ended her promising career, while the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death quickly became fodder for speculation and conspiracy theories. Featuring new archival footage and interviews with those closest to her, What Happened, Brittany Murphy? goes beyond the tabloid rumors to examine the impact of Hollywood’s sexism on her struggles, as well as lingering concerns about her relationship with husband Simon Monjack. Sensitive and nuanced, the docuseries explores the legacy of a unique talent.
Murphy was best known for her roles in Clueless, Girl, Interrupted, 8 Mile and Just Married. In 2010, the Los Angeles County coroner stated that the primary cause of Murphy’s unexpected passing was pneumonia. Contributing factors were said to be iron-deficiency anemia and multiple drug intoxication.
Directed by Emmy-nominated Cynthia Hill (Private Violence), What Happened, Brittany Murphy? is executive produced by Emmy-winner Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, and Jeremy Gold for Blumhouse, Mary Lisio (The People v. The Klan, Pray Away) and James Buddy Day (Fall River). The docuseries is produced by Blumhouse Television (The Jinx, Sharp Objects) and Pyramid Productions (Fall River produced with Blumhouse Television).
