“Billy Idol Should Be Dead” arrives on Hulu March 26, directed by three-time GRAMMY winner Jonas Åkerlund and produced by Live Nation Studios. The documentary traces Idol’s full arc, from his emergence as a prototypical punk rocker through his MTV-era superstardom and the personal battles he fought to remain one of rock’s most enduring figures. Built around never-before-seen archival footage and personal interviews with Idol, his family, and collaborators, the film debuted at festivals in 2025 before a theatrical run set up this streaming premiere. Attached to the documentary is “Dying To Live,” co-written by Idol and J. Ralph alongside Steve Stevens, Tommy English, and Joe Janiak, which landed on the shortlist for Best Original Song at the 98th Academy Awards.
The film lands as Idol’s profile sits especially high. His 2025 studio album ‘Dream Into It’ kept him active creatively, and he has since been named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 nominee list alongside Iron Maiden, Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, Lauryn Hill, and others.