In the Netflix documentary aka Charlie Sheen, Director Andrew Renzi (Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?) explores the journey of the Two and a Half Men star by utilizing old family footage, interviews with friends like Chris Tucker and Sean Penn, and an insightful conversation with Sheen’s ex-drug dealer, Marco.
A standout feature of the two-part series, released on September 10, is Renzi’s engaging interviews with Sheen. “I take it very seriously that I’m making something that ultimately creates a legacy piece for somebody,” Renzi shared with Deadline. “This is the Charlie Sheen documentary, and there probably can’t be another one.” He felt privileged to work with Sheen, who allowed the documentary to authentically portray his story without editorial influence.
Renzi elaborates on the lengthy development of the documentary, the decision not to include family members in the film, and the surprising ways Marco assisted Sheen in overcoming his crack addiction.
DEADLINE: What led you to choose Charlie Sheen for this project?
ANDREW RENZI: I aimed to enter the celebrity documentary space through someone relatable and controversial. After about 8 to 12 months of getting to know Charlie, we eventually decided to proceed with the project, taking nearly two years from inception to completion. I was only familiar with Sheen’s past through the internet but came to know the sober version of Charlie, which greatly shaped the narrative.
DEADLINE: How did you decide on the title?
RENZI: Everyone has a different perspective of who Charlie is. The title reflects his struggle with identity, especially since he was born Carlos Estevez. It’s a compelling detail that serves as a commentary on self-perception and public image.
DEADLINE: Did you split the documentary into two parts to reference Hot Shots! Part Deux?
RENZI: Absolutely. The two-part format allows the first half to romanticize the allure of addiction while the second dismantles that illusion, showcasing the grim reality of substance abuse, making it a natural separation.
