New Biopic Explores the Life and Death of Brittany Murphy

A new HBO project explores the life and tragic death of A-list actress Brittany Murphy in 2009.

Credit: LA Times

The two-part series is set to be directed by Emmy nominee Cynthia Hill. A release date and title are yet to be announced.

The Archives

Offering an in-depth, comprehensive look at the life of the late actress, the HBO film will feature never-before-seen archival footage of Murphy. Also featuring are interviews from friends and relatives who were closest to her.

Credit: People Magazine

Murphy rose to fame in the 90s. She is most well-known for her roles in Clueless, 8 Mile, King of the Hill, Just Married, and Girl, Interrupted.

Unfortunately, the mysterious circumstances of her death have almost eclipsed Murphy’s living list of achievements.

Accidental Death: 2009

Murphy’s death was announced as accidental in 2009. She was just 32 years old. At the time, coroners cited pneumonia and drug intoxication as the cause of her seemingly sudden death. Nine months later, Murphy’s husband, British screenwriter Simon Monjack, died at the same residence. He was awaiting heart surgery at the time.

Once Monjack’s death was officially announced, Murphy’s fans started to speculate. Several possible explanations formed regarding the similarities which the two deaths shared.

One theory, is that the H1N1 virus could be responsible for the pair’s untimely end. The virus caused flu-like symptoms in the weeks leading up to Murphy’s death. It was left untreated by the actress.

Many of the circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown.

Murphy’s Home in the Hollywood Hills, Credit: Purepeople

The HBO Series

HBO Max exec Jennifer O’Connell said in a statement,

“Our Brittany Murphy documentary cuts through the tabloid noise with an elevated, nuanced depiction of a sensational story.”

Delving into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death, the two-part series will provide additional insight into the celebrity’s home life and career.

Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Alchemy Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!