Eminem’s “Stans” Documentary Turns the Spotlight Back on the Fans
So here’s something really powerful hitting the scene—there’s a new documentary about Eminem, but not in the usual sense where it's all about the artist from the top down. This time, it's flipped. “Stans” , which just premiered at SXSW London, dives into Eminem’s legacy through the eyes of the people who’ve walked that journey with him: his fans. And let me tell you—it’s not just a film; it’s a full-blown emotional experience.
Directed by Steven Leckart and produced by Paul Rosenberg, Tony DiSanto, and Shady Films, Stans isn't about fame from a distance. It's about how deeply someone’s music can shape people’s lives. Think tattoos, fan-fiction, thousands of letters, childhood trauma soothed by lyrics, and lifelong journeys that run parallel to Marshall Mathers’ own. There’s one fan, for example—Zolt Shady—who’s been following Eminem since 2001 and gives us a real, heartfelt tour through key spots in Detroit that shaped the man behind the mic.
You also hear stories from fans who got portraits of Em tattooed all over their body. It’s extreme, but it's not about being over-the-top—it’s about connection. These people see themselves in his lyrics. And it’s not just everyday fans—Ed Sheeran, Adam Sandler, and even Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine chime in, adding their own layers to what makes Eminem’s music so enduring.
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Eminem himself pops up in the doc, reflecting on what it means to be idolized, to be someone people literally follow in the physical and emotional sense. He talks about how surreal it is that fans visit his demolished childhood home, the same one made iconic by 8 Mile . He admits it’s “cool, but weird because it’s me.” That vulnerability is all over this film.
The documentary doesn’t ignore the hard stuff either. It touches on his battles with addiction, the pain of losing Proof, and the weight of fame. Dr. Dre points out how Em's rawness about mental health cracked open a door in hip-hop—one that let honesty and struggle into the genre in a real way.
And of course, the word stan itself—originating from Eminem’s 2000 hit about a fan gone too far—comes full circle here. What started as a cautionary tale is now a term of loyalty, a badge superfans wear proudly. But this documentary is careful; it doesn’t celebrate obsession. It’s more about the people who found a reason to hold on through Eminem’s music.
One thing’s for sure—this isn't a film for critics or casual listeners. It’s for the real ones, the ones who kept listening when it got dark, the ones who found healing in the chaos. And in that final moment, Eminem reminds you in only the way he can: If you're not with it, you can suck a fat dick.
This fall, Stans drops on Paramount+, and honestly, if Eminem's music has ever meant something to you, this is one documentary you don't want to miss.
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