Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition arrives May 7. This cinematic documentary chronicles five decades of the metal legends with exclusive band interviews, Rod Smal...
- February 25, 2026
AceShowbiz - Metal legends Iron Maiden are set to receive the cinematic documentary treatment with Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition, arriving in theaters worldwide this May. The film promises to chronicle five decades of one of music's most enduring heavy metal acts.
Directed by Malcolm Venville, the documentary features extensive interviews with the band members themselves, alongside their co-manager Rod Smallwood. The film also includes perspectives from notable fans and fellow musicians, including actor Javier Bardem, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, and Public Enemy frontman Chuck D.
The documentary is scheduled for theatrical release on May 7, with tickets becoming available for purchase starting March 18. According to the official synopsis, the film offers "an intimate look at their uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their global army of fans."
With unprecedented access to official band archives, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition aims to capture the essence of a musical journey that began in East London in 1975. The band released their debut album five years after forming and have since built an impressive catalog of 17 studio albums, with their most recent being 2021's 'Senjutsu'.
The documentary arrives as Iron Maiden continues their extensive touring schedule with the 'Run For Your Lives' tour. A highlight of this tour will be the unique EddFest celebration at Knebworth Park on July 11. Named after the band's iconic mascot Eddie, this special event marks nearly two decades since they headlined an earlier festival iteration in Bangalore, India.
The EddFest event promises to be a comprehensive celebration of all things Iron Maiden. Supporting acts will include The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne, and The Almighty. Fans can expect the biggest Eddie's Dive Bar ever created, along with Maiden-themed food and specialized merchandise stalls throughout the venue.
For those planning to attend the full experience, festivities will begin on Friday, July 10 for fans holding camping tickets. The band's remarkable touring history includes nearly 2,500 live shows performed across the globe, demonstrating their incredible connection with fans worldwide.
Recent announcements have also confirmed Iron Maiden as headliners for the opening day of Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky, scheduled for September. They'll share the bill with notable acts including My Chemical Romance, Tool, and Limp Bizkit at this major rock and metal festival.
The documentary represents a comprehensive look at a band that has maintained relevance and passion across multiple generations of metal fans, promising insights into their creative process and enduring appeal.