Netflix has officially revealed the actor set to portray Jim Morrison in its much-anticipated music documentary-drama hybrid, The Lizard King. After months of speculation, the streaming giant announced that rising star Miles Teller will take on the role of the legendary Doors frontman, bringing Morrison’s enigmatic personality and tortured genius to life.
Titled after Morrison’s famous self-given moniker, The Lizard King promises a bold retelling of the iconic singer’s life, blending dramatized sequences with never-before-seen archival footage, live performances, and interviews. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy, Back to Black), the project aims to explore not only Morrison’s career with The Doors but also his poetic ambitions, spiritual musings, and descent into myth and madness.
Netflix’s decision to cast Teller has already sparked discussion among fans and critics alike. Known for his intense performances in films like Whiplash and Thank You for Your Service, Teller brings a raw emotional edge that producers say mirrors Morrison’s internal chaos. In a statement, Taylor-Johnson said, “Jim wasn’t just a rock star—he was a poet, a visionary, and a deeply conflicted soul. Miles has the depth and courage to step into that complexity.”
The Lizard King will trace Morrison’s meteoric rise in the 1960s Los Angeles rock scene, his clashes with fame, run-ins with the law, and ultimate exile in Paris, where he died at the age of 27. While the film will follow a narrative arc, Netflix has emphasized that it will also include an immersive musical experience, reviving the spirit of songs like “Light My Fire,” “Riders on the Storm,” and “The End.”
Production is already underway, with a release date tentatively set for early 2026. Music lovers, cinephiles, and Doors fans alike will be watching closely as Netflix attempts to peel back the layers of one of rock’s most mythologized figures.
