A new documentary titled No Escape From Now, centered on Ozzy Osbourne’s recent struggles with health, is still moving forward for release later this year, despite the passing of the legendary Black Sabbath frontman. The film, currently in production for Paramount+, aims to explore the profound challenges the iconic musician has faced since a serious fall in 2019, according to an official release.
Directed by BAFTA winner Tania Alexander, known for her work on Gogglebox, filming began in 2022 during sessions for Ozzy‘s 13th solo album, Patient Number 9. Production continued through what would become his final performance with Black Sabbath—a hometown show in Birmingham, England on July 5.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Tania and co-creator Phil Alexander shared their feelings about Ozzy’s passing: “We are truly heartbroken to hear the news of Ozzy‘s passing. Filming with him, Sharon, Aimee, Kelly and Jack for the last three and a half years will always be a cherished and remarkable experience — largely because we got to regularly witness Ozzy‘s indomitable spirit, his mischievous, irresistible grin and his masterful display of unique one-liners. We will always love you, dear Oz. And we send love and strength to Sharon and her family.”
The documentary is being developed by U.K.-based Echo Velvet in partnership with the Osbourne family and MTV Entertainment Studios. Executive producers on the project include Bruce Gillmer and Amanda Culkowski for MTV, Phil Alexander for Echo Velvet, and Sharon Osbourne for Sharon Osbourne Management.
The film will include personal interviews with Sharon Osbourne and their children, as well as appearances by several prominent musicians, including Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Billy Idol, Maynard James Keenan (Tool), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Zakk Wylde, producer Andrew Watt, and friend/musician Billy Morrison.
Sharon Osbourne added insight into the project’s mission and emotional tone: “This film is an honest account of what has happened to Ozzy during the last few years. It shows how hard things have been for him and the courage he has shown while dealing with a number of serious health issues, including Parkinson’s. It’s about the reality of his life now. We have worked with a production team we trust and have allowed them the freedom to tell the story openly. We hope that story will inspire people that are facing similar issues to Ozzy.”
The documentary’s official logline reads: “This is Ozzy Osbourne like you’ve never seen before: an honest, warm and deeply personal portrait of one of the greatest rock stars of all time, detailing how the singer’s world shuddered to a halt six years ago, forcing him to contemplate who he really is, confront his own mortality and question whether or not he can ever perform on stage for one last time.”
It continues: “Addressing his health issues and impact of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, the film showcases the central role music continues to play in Ozzy‘s life — also proving his mischievous sense of humor remains resolutely intact despite it all.”
Bruce Gillmer, president of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events for Paramount and chief content officer of Music for Paramount+, expressed the network’s commitment to the project:
“Given our storied past with Ozzy, Sharon and the whole family, we were determined to land this project and look forward to sharing it with his legions of fans and global audiences on Paramount+ later this year.”
