In an announcement that has stirred excitement among hockey fans and documentary lovers alike, Netflix has officially unveiled its latest original documentary, The Underdog, centered on none other than Wayne Gretzky—the Edmonton Oilers legend and one of the most celebrated athletes in sports history. Slated for release on [Insert Release Date], the film promises an intimate, never-before-seen look into the life, legacy, and lasting influence of “The Great One.”
Billed as “a story beyond the stats,” The Underdog aims to peel back the layers of the hockey superstar who, despite being labeled as too small and too slow in his early years, rose to dominate the sport with a combination of vision, finesse, and relentless determination. The film charts Gretzky’s humble beginnings in Brantford, Ontario, through his meteoric rise with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s, to his role as a global ambassador for the game.
A Story the Hockey World Has Been Waiting For
Produced by Netflix in collaboration with NHL Productions and executive produced by Wayne Gretzky himself, The Underdog features never-before-seen archival footage, personal interviews, and behind-the-scenes content that has been kept under wraps—until now.
“What we’re offering is something deeply personal,” said producer Rachel Levinson. “This isn’t just about the highlights and the trophies. This is about the sacrifices, the doubts, the pressure of being expected to be great every single night. Wayne’s story is not just one of talent, but of resilience.”
The documentary features candid interviews with Gretzky’s family, former teammates like Mark Messier and Paul Coffey, rivals including Mario Lemieux and Chris Chelios, and commentary from prominent figures in hockey media. Even legends from outside the rink—such as Michael Jordan and Tom Brady—make appearances, sharing their admiration for Gretzky’s influence in sport and leadership.
The Underdog Who Became “The Great One”
While Gretzky’s stats—894 goals, 1,963 assists, and four Stanley Cups—are the stuff of legend, the documentary focuses on how he defied the odds to get there. Despite being regarded now as a natural talent, Gretzky was far from a sure bet in his youth. At just 5’11” and under 170 pounds, he was constantly underestimated in a league known for its physicality.
The film’s title, The Underdog, reflects this early skepticism. As one voiceover in the trailer puts it: “He didn’t look the part. But when he touched the puck, the whole game changed.”
Gretzky’s time with the Edmonton Oilers, particularly during the team’s dynasty run in the 1980s, forms the heart of the story. Fans can expect deep dives into iconic moments: the 50 goals in 39 games, the 1984 Stanley Cup win, and the emotional 1988 trade to the Los Angeles Kings that stunned the hockey world and changed the NHL forever.
Wayne Gretzky: “It’s a Story I’ve Never Told This Way”
In a rare on-camera interview, Gretzky opens up about the personal toll of fame, his relationship with his father Walter Gretzky, and the pressure of carrying a nation’s hopes every time he laced up his skates.
“I’ve done a lot of interviews in my life,” Gretzky said in a press statement, “but this one feels different. This film let me look back in a way I never have before. I hope people see that behind all the points and wins, I was just a kid who loved the game more than anything.”
The documentary also doesn’t shy away from the challenges: the burden of expectation, the criticisms, and the moments of self-doubt that even the greatest face.
A Must-Watch for Sports Fans Everywhere
Netflix is betting big on The Underdog to be a breakout hit—not just with hockey fans, but with anyone drawn to stories of perseverance and triumph. Following the success of sports documentaries like The Last Dance and Formula 1: Drive to Survive, this deep, human portrait of Wayne Gretzky is expected to strike a similar chord.
“The best sports stories aren’t just about sports,” said director Alex Munroe. “They’re about heart. They’re about people who dare to be different. Wayne was that kind of person. He still is.”
The Underdog will premiere globally on Netflix on [Insert Release Date], with plans for a limited theatrical run in select cities across Canada and the U.S.
