In a major development that has thrilled sports fans and documentary lovers alike, Netflix has officially announced the release of “The Underdog,” a highly anticipated documentary chronicling the life, career, and legacy of Edmonton Oilers icon Wayne Gretzky. The film is scheduled to premiere globally on the [October 22].
Widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky’s story is already legendary — but “The Underdog” promises to peel back the layers of public fame to explore the personal struggles, pivotal moments, and lesser-known battles behind his extraordinary rise. Produced in collaboration with NHL Studios and directed by award-winning filmmaker Rachel Porter, the documentary delivers a rich, in-depth portrait of the man behind the myth.
A Story Beyond the Stats
While Gretzky’s on-ice achievements are unparalleled — from his 894 career goals to his four Stanley Cup championships with the Edmonton Oilers — “The Underdog” focuses on the journey rather than the destination. The title itself is a nod to the surprising truth: despite his success, Gretzky was once considered too small, too slow, and too unconventional to make it in the NHL.
“We wanted to show that even the greatest had to fight to be seen,” said director Rachel Porter in a Netflix press release. “Wayne wasn’t always ‘The Great One.’ He was just a kid from Brantford with a dream, and a lot of people didn’t believe he’d ever make it.”
Featuring exclusive interviews with Gretzky, his family, former teammates, coaches, and even past rivals, the film aims to capture not only the highlights of his career but also the human moments that shaped him.
Edmonton: The Birthplace of a Legend
A major focus of the documentary is Gretzky’s legendary tenure with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s. It was in Edmonton where Gretzky transformed from a young, promising player into the centerpiece of a hockey dynasty.
The documentary features never-before-seen locker room footage, behind-the-scenes stories from the Oilers’ golden years, and testimonials from hockey greats like Mark Messier, Grant Fuhr, Paul Coffey, and Jari Kurri. They reflect on what it was like to witness Gretzky’s brilliance firsthand and how the Oilers helped shape modern hockey.
One segment explores the emotional and cultural impact of Gretzky’s shocking 1988 trade to the Los Angeles Kings — a moment many Canadians remember vividly as a national heartbreak. Through intimate interviews, Gretzky opens up about that painful decision and its long-term implications, both professionally and personally.
The Man Behind the Myth
Beyond the rink, “The Underdog” delves into Gretzky’s family life, his enduring relationship with his father, Walter Gretzky, and the emotional support system that grounded him through fame, pressure, and personal loss.
Fans will also get a look at Gretzky’s post-retirement journey — from his business ventures and broadcasting work to his role as a global ambassador for the game of hockey.
“There’s a humility to Wayne that people don’t always see,” said one of the producers. “This documentary captures that quiet determination and the values that carried him through an extraordinary career.”
A Netflix Must-Watch
Early reviews from critics and sports journalists have been overwhelmingly positive. The documentary is already being praised for its cinematic storytelling, emotional depth, and ability to appeal not just to hockey fans, but to anyone who appreciates a powerful underdog story.
With Netflix’s track record of successful sports content — including The Last Dance, Quarterback, and Formula 1: Drive to Survive — “The Underdog” is poised to become another global hit.
Final Thoughts
Whether you grew up watching #99 dominate the NHL or you’re discovering his story for the first time, “The Underdog” offers a fresh and intimate perspective on a Canadian legend who changed the game forever.
The Underdog premieres exclusively on Netflix on— mark your calendars for a front-row seat to the story of Wayne Gretzky as you’ve never seen him before.
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