A powerful new lens is being cast on one of hip-hop’s most enigmatic and enduring figures—Eminem. This summer, Stans, a bold and boundary-pushing documentary executive produced by the rap legend himself, hits the big screen for a limited theatrical run that’s already stirring global anticipation.
AMC Theatres has partnered with Stans for exclusive U.S. distribution from August 7th — August 10th, showcasing the film in more than 135 locations nationwide. Internationally, Trafalgar Releasing will simultaneously bring the documentary to over 1,600 theaters across 50 markets, signaling a major moment not just for Eminem fans but for music documentaries as a whole.
Directed by Steven Leckart, Stans offers an unconventional, genre-defying exploration of fan culture—flipping the traditional artist-centric documentary format on its head. Instead of solely chronicling Eminem’s rise from underground Detroit battle rapper to global superstar, the film zeroes in on those who helped elevate him to icon status: the fans.
Drawing inspiration from Eminem’s hauntingly brilliant 2000 single “Stan,” the film examines the intense emotional connections between artists and admirers in the age of social media. Where parasocial relationships have become more complicated, immersive, and consuming than ever before.
Unveiled earlier this year at SXSW London, Stans was praised for its vibrant storytelling and fearless take on modern fandom. During the premiere’s Q&A, Leckart shared his vision:
“I just saw an opportunity to make an unconventional doc … We’ve seen a glut of docs that are so straightforward and standard. This was a chance to do something different.”
Produced in collaboration with DIGA Studios, Shady Films, Fuqua Films, Interscope Films, and MTV Entertainment Studios, Stans also boasts a powerful production lineup including Paul Rosenberg, Antoine Fuqua, and Stuart Parr, alongside Eminem himself.
Complementing the film’s theatrical release, Stans: The Official Soundtrack—featuring previously unreleased tracks—is now available for pre-order, adding another layer of excitement for die-hard fans and collectors alike. And for those who miss the big screen experience, the documentary will stream globally on Paramount+ later this year.
With the term “Stan” now part of the Oxford English Dictionary, this documentary not only underscores Eminem’s cultural imprint but explores the fascinating—and sometimes unsettling—ways fandom has evolved in the digital age. Stans is more than a music documentary; it’s a mirror reflecting society’s shifting relationship with celebrity, identity, and devotion.
So if you’ve followed Eminem since The Slim Shady LP or only recently discovered his catalog, Stans promises a deeply human story behind the music—and the mania. Catch it in theaters August 7th–10th.