BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary St louis blues legend Brett Hull, Slated for Release on the…

In what promises to be one of the most compelling sports documentaries of the year, Netflix has officially announced the release of “The Underdog,” a deep, emotional, and inspiring look at the life and legacy of NHL Hall of Famer and St. Louis Blues icon Brett Hull. The film, scheduled for release worldwide on August 15, 2025, takes viewers through Hull’s journey from being underestimated and often overshadowed, to becoming one of the most feared and celebrated goal scorers in the history of hockey.

With fans across North America already buzzing, and hockey analysts calling it “the next Last Dance for the NHL,” “The Underdog” promises to transcend sports to explore themes of identity, perseverance, legacy, and the pressure of living up to a legendary name.

Born into hockey royalty as the son of the legendary Bobby Hull, Brett Hull’s rise to fame wasn’t always written in the stars. Many believed the younger Hull wouldn’t live up to the towering legacy of his father, a nine-time All-Star and Stanley Cup champion. However, Brett’s unconventional path to superstardom became a narrative of its own—one defined by grit, audacity, and defiance of expectation.

The documentary’s title, “The Underdog,” is both a tribute and a contradiction. On paper, Brett Hull had every reason to succeed. But early in his career, scouts often overlooked him for being “too slow,” “not tough enough,” and “relying too much on his shot.” Ironically, that shot—one of the most lethal in NHL history—would eventually define a generation.

From Calgary Castaway to St. Louis Savior

One of the documentary’s central arcs is Hull’s transformative move from the Calgary Flames, where he struggled to find consistent ice time, to the St. Louis Blues in 1988. That trade would mark the beginning of Hull’s ascension. Within two seasons, he was a household name, capturing the hearts of Blues fans and redefining the identity of the franchise.

Through exclusive interviews, “The Underdog” features never-before-seen footage of Hull’s early years in St. Louis, including raw behind-the-scenes moments with teammates, personal reflections from his coaches, and insights from family and friends. Hall of Famers like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Mark Messier appear in the film, offering intimate commentary on Hull’s impact not only on the game but on those who played it alongside him.

In one particularly powerful segment, Gretzky, who briefly played with Hull in St. Louis, calls him “the most misunderstood genius in hockey—loud, brash, but brilliant. A guy who could change the score of a game with one flick of the wrist.”

A Complicated Figure

What sets this documentary apart is its refusal to shy away from the complexities of Brett Hull’s persona. Known for his outspoken nature, Hull’s off-ice personality has often been the subject of both criticism and admiration. The film explores his rocky relationship with the media, tensions with coaches, and moments of personal vulnerability, including emotional reflections on the pressure of legacy, dealing with self-doubt, and coping with the untimely deaths of close teammates and friends.

The documentary also revisits the infamous “No Goal” controversy during the 1999 Stanley Cup Final—where Hull, then with the Dallas Stars, scored the championship-winning goal in triple overtime while his skate was in the crease, violating a rule that had been strictly enforced all season. Though the goal stood and the Stars were crowned champions, controversy ensued. Hull addresses the moment candidly in the film, saying, “People forget I played that game injured, left everything on the ice, and when the puck went in, all I felt was relief. That goal still divides fans—but for me, it’s a symbol of my whole career: never easy, always contested.”

Family Legacy: Living in the Shadow, Creating His Own

Another emotional layer of the documentary focuses on the complicated but loving relationship between Brett and his father, Bobby Hull. The film does not sugarcoat the strained periods between the two, especially as Brett came into his own and carved a name separate from his father’s monumental NHL legacy.

Brett shares in the film, “Everyone expected me to be like him. But I wasn’t. I didn’t skate like him. I didn’t talk like him. I played the game my way. It took a while before I realized that was okay.”

The documentary also features touching interviews with Brett’s mother, Joanne, and his children, who reflect on the man behind the mask, far from the glare of the rink. They paint a picture of a father who loved fiercely, laughed often, and bore the scars of a life lived loudly.

The Making of “The Underdog”

Produced by Netflix in collaboration with NHL Productions and executive produced by renowned filmmaker Ava DuVernay, “The Underdog” is a masterclass in storytelling. Directed by Canadian documentarian Kevin McMahon, known for his work on sports and cultural icons, the film balances game footage with emotionally resonant narrative arcs.

McMahon told reporters, “Brett Hull’s story is not just about hockey—it’s about defying expectations, about the hunger to be seen on your own terms. He’s raw. He’s real. That’s why this story resonates.”

The film features interviews with over 30 NHL legends, family members, journalists, and former coaches. Extensive archival footage was remastered in high definition, including never-aired locker room conversations, family videos, and intimate monologues recorded by Hull himself during his post-retirement years.

Fan Anticipation Reaches Fever Pitch

Since Netflix dropped the official trailer on June 20, 2025, excitement has surged across social media. Within 48 hours, the trailer garnered over 10 million views, and hashtags like #TheUnderdog and #BrettHullDoc trended globally. Fans of the St. Louis Blues have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to share personal stories of watching Hull live and his cultural impact on the city.

Sports analysts are already predicting “The Underdog” will dominate award season, with early Emmy buzz building for “Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.”

Even younger fans—those who never watched Hull play live—are embracing the release. One fan on Reddit wrote, “I grew up hearing stories about Hull from my dad. Watching this documentary is like stepping into a time machine. It’s not just history—it’s heart.”

Hull’s Message Today

Ahead of the documentary’s release, Brett Hull appeared in a Netflix promotional interview, where he summed up his feelings about the film:

“If you watch this and think I was perfect, then we failed. I made mistakes. I was arrogant. But I loved the game, I loved my teammates, and I gave it everything I had. If that makes me an underdog, then I’ll wear it with pride.”

Conclusion

“The Underdog” is more than just a documentary. It’s a cultural moment—one that captures the essence of what it means to rise beyond expectations, to live unapologetically, and to leave a legacy carved not in ice, but in the hearts of those who watched and believed.

As Netflix prepares for the global premiere on August 15, fans, analysts, and historians alike are preparing to relive the era of Brett Hull—an underdog who became a legend.