Captain Fantastic takes a stand and rocks down the yellow brick road of his past in latest documentary.

The documentary on icon and legend Elton John, Never Too Late, debuts on Disney+ on December 13, 2024, to a record number of subscribers. Unlike the biopic Rocketman, this documentary features Elton in his own words, chronicling his turbulent childhood to his self-described “five years of fun” (1970–1975), climaxing with his performance at Dodger Stadium in front of 100,000 fans. The full-circle moment is Elton’s retirement from the road during his Farewell Tour in 2022, with the final American date again at Dodger Stadium.

Co-directed by Elton’s husband, David Furnish, and R.J. Cutler, the film offers a personal perspective, avoiding the detachment that might arise with a director unfamiliar with the subject.

Within those initial five years, Elton John and his lyricist partner Bernie Taupin released a staggering 13 albums, producing many number-one hits, including their biggest songs to date: “Your Song,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Crocodile Rock,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” among others. Their 1975 album, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, made history as the first album to debut at #1 on the charts—a feat they repeated a year later with Rock of the Westies.

The archival footage in the documentary, much of it previously unreleased, is a treasure trove for music historians and fans alike. Highlights include glimpses of Elton composing songs (such as “Tiny Dancer”) and insights into the inner workings of his band and studio sessions. Footage from Elton John and Bernie Taupin Say Goodbye to Norma Jean and Other Things (1973) is also included.

The film alternates between the vibrant 1970s and a countdown to the 2022 Dodger Stadium performance, but it isn’t all roses and accolades. The documentary delves into Elton’s rollercoaster relationship with his manager and first love, John Reid, as well as his battles with addiction, loneliness, and longing for love. One of the most poignant moments is the audio of Elton’s 1976 Rolling Stone interview, in which he publicly came out as bisexual.

At its heart, Never Too Late reveals Elton’s resilience. Despite his struggles, he has remained one of the most enduring figures in the music industry. Now 77, Elton continues to look forward, focusing on his family with David Furnish and their two young sons. He has openly shared his motivation to retire from touring: to spend as much time as possible with his loved ones.

“This is where you start to think about mortality,” Elton says, adding that his sons “think about my mortality…because they know how old I am. I want to see them get married and have children, but I don’t think I’m gonna be around for that.”

Never Too Late isn’t a perfect documentary, but it’s a deeply moving and intimate portrait of an extraordinary life. As a fan, I can only hope for a Part 2 somewhere down the yellow brick road.