Netflix Unveils the Highly Anticipated Ozzy Osbourne Biopic, Prince of Darkness: The Ozzy Osbourne Story
By Jordan Ashcroft | Entertainment Correspondent | June 29, 2025
In a thunderous announcement that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and legions of heavy metal fans alike, Netflix revealed today its latest high-profile biopic: Prince of Darkness: The Ozzy Osbourne Story. The film, which has been in secret development for over two years, is slated for a worldwide release on October 31, 2025—an appropriately eerie date for the rock icon long associated with the macabre.
The streaming giant promises a raw, unflinching portrayal of the Black Sabbath frontman’s tumultuous life, from his humble beginnings in Birmingham, England, to his meteoric rise as the godfather of heavy metal, and his personal battles with addiction, fame, and family.
A Legacy Forged in Darkness and Decibels
Few musicians have led lives as chaotic, captivating, and controversial as John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne. Known for his wild stage antics—including the infamous moment he bit the head off a bat—and a raspy voice that defined a generation of metal, Ozzy has lived a life that reads more like fiction than fact.
But Prince of Darkness aims to humanize the myth, exploring the man behind the madness. The film, directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Gareth Evans (The Raid, Apostle), blends documentary-style realism with surreal, operatic set pieces that capture both the grit and grandeur of Osbourne’s world.
Netflix describes the biopic as “a kaleidoscopic journey through the chaos and brilliance of one of music’s most enduring legends, told with brutal honesty and visual intensity.” Executive producers Sharon Osbourne and Jack Osbourne—Ozzy’s wife and son—have been deeply involved in the project, helping to ensure the film remains emotionally truthful while still pushing cinematic boundaries.
Star-Studded Cast & A Bold New Performance
In one of the most talked-about casting choices in recent memory, rising British actor Joseph Quinn—best known for his breakout role as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things—has been cast as Ozzy Osbourne. Early buzz around Quinn’s transformation has already reached fever pitch, with insiders praising his near-unrecognizable portrayal, from the accent and physicality to the haunted, manic energy that defined Ozzy during his peak years.
“It’s the role of a lifetime,” Quinn said in a press release. “Ozzy is an icon, but he’s also a deeply vulnerable man who’s seen and survived things most people couldn’t imagine. This film is about honoring the chaos—but also the humanity—at the heart of his story.”
Sharon Osbourne will be portrayed by Academy Award nominee Florence Pugh, a casting choice that fans have hailed as “inspired.” The film will also feature Tom Hardy as Tony Iommi, frontman of Black Sabbath, and Paul Bettany as legendary manager Don Arden.
From Birmingham to Bat Biting: The Storyline
Prince of Darkness charts a sweeping timeline of Ozzy’s life, beginning in the grey, working-class streets of postwar Birmingham. The film follows young Ozzy’s early run-ins with the law, his time working in a slaughterhouse, and his obsession with The Beatles—before chronicling his fateful meeting with Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.
Together, they would go on to create Black Sabbath, a band that redefined the sound and spirit of rock music with doomy riffs and apocalyptic lyrics. But the success was short-lived: Ozzy’s unpredictable behavior, fueled by drugs and alcohol, led to his ousting from the band in 1979.
What followed was a solo career that seemed doomed before it began—until the release of Blizzard of Ozz, an album that not only resurrected his career but cemented his status as a rock deity. The film delves into his collaborations with Randy Rhoads, his infamous stunts, and the deep personal lows that nearly destroyed him.
Importantly, the film doesn’t shy away from Ozzy’s struggles with sobriety, his turbulent marriage, or the darker aspects of fame. But neither does it wallow. As Sharon Osbourne said in a statement, “This is not a film about a rock star—it’s a film about survival, resilience, and love. And yes, a bit of madness too.”
A Soundtrack for the Ages
In a move sure to excite fans, the film’s soundtrack will feature newly remastered versions of Ozzy’s greatest hits, including “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and “No More Tears.” Additionally, the film includes unreleased recordings from Ozzy’s early solo days, curated by Sharon and Jack.
But the biggest surprise? A new original song co-written by Ozzy and Andrew Watt—marking what could be the final recorded work of the Prince of Darkness himself. The track, titled “End of the Line,” will debut alongside the film’s premiere and is rumored to be a haunting ballad reflecting on mortality and legacy.
Critical Anticipation
While the film has yet to be screened publicly, early reactions from test audiences and industry insiders suggest Netflix may have another awards contender on its hands. “This isn’t just a rock biopic,” said one anonymous source close to the production. “It’s Raging Bull meets Bohemian Rhapsody, with a little Trainspotting thrown in for good measure.”
Netflix has high hopes for Prince of Darkness, positioning it as both a cultural event and a critical darling heading into awards season. With its October release date, the film will be eligible for Oscar contention—something the streamer is undoubtedly eyeing after its recent success with Maestro and The Irishman.
The Man Behind the Madness
Now 76, Ozzy Osbourne remains a cultural force despite recent health setbacks. In 2023, he announced his retirement from touring due to spinal injuries, but he has since remained active in music and media. He recently joked on his podcast The Osbournes that he “hopes the film doesn’t make him look like too much of a nutter.”
“But if it does,” he added, laughing, “I probably earned it.”
Final Curtain, First Act?
With Prince of Darkness: The Ozzy Osbourne Story, Netflix aims to deliver more than just a biopic—it’s aiming to craft a definitive portrait of a man whose life defied logic, convention, and even death. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the lore, the film promises a journey into the mind and madness of a musical titan.
As the trailer ominously declares: “You think you know Ozzy. But you’ve only heard the music.”
Let me know if you’d like a movie poster, teaser synopsis, or fictional reviews to go with this!
