Eminem-Backed Doc ‘STANS’ Explores Obsessive Fandom on Paramount+
The new documentary traces the origin of the word “stan” and its deep cultural impact, with Eminem himself helping bring the story to screen.
The upcoming documentary STANS offers an unflinching look at one of the most famous fanbases in music history. Produced by Eminem alongside the creators of 8 Mile and Training Day, the film explores how a single track from 2000 shaped not only the rapper’s career but also modern slang and online culture.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Steven Leckart, STANS features rare archival footage, interviews with devoted fans, and appearances by figures closely tied to the original track, including British singer Dido and actor Devon Sawa. The production brings together Shady Films, DIGA Studios, Fuqua Films, and MTV Entertainment Studios.
The word “stan,” which originated from Eminem’s haunting single of the same name, officially entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017. The track itself peaked at No. 51 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 but went on to top charts in 12 countries, cementing its place in global pop culture.
Following its world premiere at the inaugural SXSW London, STANS had a limited theatrical run earlier this month. More than 135 AMC Theatres in the U.S. screened the film, while Trafalgar Releasing distributed it internationally across over 1,600 cinemas in 50 territories. A special rooftop premiere in New York City on August 6 drew fans together, capped by a surprise appearance from Eminem.
The streaming rollout begins with Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Brazil on August 26, 2025, followed a day later in the U.K., Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Japanese audiences will gain access starting October 3. This staggered schedule reflects the global resonance of both the artist and the phenomenon.
Beyond chronicling fandom, the documentary also raises questions about the complex bond between artists and their admirers. Eminem, known for his reclusive public presence, uses STANS to examine how a fictional character he created evolved into a worldwide cultural archetype for obsessive devotion.
Fans and critics alike are noting that the project arrives at a moment when parasocial relationships dominate digital spaces, making STANS as much a commentary on the internet era as it is on Eminem’s legacy. The film positions itself alongside a growing wave of music documentaries that highlight not just artists, but the people whose passion helps sustain them.
For those intrigued by the story behind the word and the culture it spawned, STANS promises a revealing, and at times unsettling, look into what it truly means to be a fan.
