A new documentary centered on the life of Dame Julie Andrews is slated to be released on Disney+ in 2027, it was announced this week. But the photo and caption choice used by the company to share the news left fans panic-stricken.
The forthcoming film will center on Andrews, 90, and feature new candid interviews as well as previously unseen archival footage, according to an announcement from Disney.
An angelic recent portrait of the Mary Poppins star was used to announce the documentary on the Disney+ social media channels along with the caption: “Courage, resilience, grace. The definitive documentary on the legendary Julie Andrews is coming to Disney+ in 2027.”
But those who glanced at the post while scrolling on X and Instagram had assumed the worst had happened.
“1. I almost had a panic attack thinking Julie Andrews had passed. 2. Now that I’m breathing again, I’m excited for this documentary!” one fan wrote on X while another said, “Can you please pick a better marketing strategy? I nearly fainted thinking we lost our treasure.”
“Had me thinking she passed. Horrible way to promote a legend,” another wrote as someone else said, “I held my breath, immediately the tears started and then no lie, started to break out in hives on my chest … that is how deep my admiration and love for Julie goes. Disney plus, I love you but, don’t scare me like that again. Also, can’t wait for the documentary!”
The comments were similar on the Disney+ Instagram page. “I almost threw up y’all why did you pick the most heavenly-looking photo for this announcement???,” one fan wrote as another said, “please never do that to me again i almost passed out.”
“Baby, this scared the spoonful of sugar out of me! My God,” someone else said. Another begged, “This post was very scary. Next time text on the image please.”
The Independent has contacted Disney and a representative for Andrews for comment.
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The untitled documentary will be directed by R.J. Cutler and follow Andrews’ life from her early days on the British vaudeville circuit to her rise as an internationally beloved icon starring in films including The Sound of Music and The Princess Diaries.
“Julie Andrews is not simply a beloved performer,” Cutler said in a statement to Disney. “She is a cultural touchstone, a figure woven into the fabric of how generations of people understand joy, resilience, and grace.
“Most people don’t know the extraordinary challenges she’s had to overcome throughout her life, all of which we delve into in this film. To sit with Julie, to be allowed into her inner world, to watch her reflect on a life that has shaped so many other lives, was an experience I will forever cherish.
“She gave us her full self, without armor, without pretense. And what we found was someone even more extraordinary than the icon. I am humbled by her talent, in awe of her strength and honored by her trust.”
