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Pretenders Doc: Hynde Won't Watch Her Own Story
13 Sep
Summary
- Chrissie Hynde refused to be filmed for the Pretenders documentary.
- Director Joss Crowley faced challenges due to Hynde's reluctance.
- Crucial lost archive footage and diaries were later discovered.
The documentary "Pretenders," focusing on Chrissie Hynde's iconic band, is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2026. Directed by Joss Crowley, the film aims to chronicle the band's significant journey and Hynde's unique status in music.
Despite the film's focus on her, Hynde admitted she has no intention of watching it, feeling disinclined to "sit around and not tell" her own story. She explained her participation was driven by a desire to ensure certain aspects of the band's history, like the crucial influence of early guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, were properly highlighted.
Crowley described Hynde's initial unwillingness to be filmed as the documentary's primary challenge. The production team adapted by focusing on audio-only interviews and relying heavily on archival material, a task made difficult by Hynde's own admission of not keeping many mementos.
Significant breakthroughs occurred late in production. Restored footage from the band's North American tour and the discovery of diaries from the original tour manager, Stan Tippins, provided invaluable, previously unseen perspectives, greatly enriching the documentary's narrative.
