From New York Times, I'm Michael Babarro. This is the Daily.

For the last few years, one of the country's most celebrated filmmakers has tried to unlock

the mysteries of one of the country's most celebrated musicians.

According to my colleague, Times Magazine deputy editor, Sasha Weiss, the result is a cinematic masterpiece.

So how is it possible that nobody will ever see it?

Thank you. will ever see it. It's Friday, March 7th.

Sasha, welcome to the Daily.

Thanks so much for having me, Michael.

Hard to fathom, It's your inaugural episode.

I'm delighted to be here.

I want to just acknowledge a certain awkwardness to the work we're about to undertake,

which is we are going to be talking, you and I, about a very important film that none of us will ever see.

Yeah.

That's weird.

Totally.

But back when you thought the world very much would see the film, you became deeply invested in the story of it.

And you have stayed invested in it for years.

Simple question. Why?

Well, let's start with who it's about.

My name is Prince.

The supernova genius Prince.

And I've come to play with me.

...