《The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable》(The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable, temporary translation) public trailer, telling the birth of the one and only film-Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, will be launched on Netflix on October 16

An album containing 31 songs, it is packaged in a handmade silver box and only one copy is released.Netflix documentary - The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable - (The Disciple: A Wu-Tang Fable, tentative translation) has released an official trailer and returns to the production process of Wu-Tang Clan's controversial album.

The film follows the decades-long experience of Dutch-Moroccan rapper and producer Cilvaringz.He was once the most persistent fan of the Wu-Tang Clan. With his continuous efforts, he entered the inner circle of the idols and later became their “disciple”.RZA guided him throughout this journey, and the two finally completed Once Upon a Time in Shaolin together.This process of an outsider wanting to belong is also the main narrative line of the film.

The album was auctioned off to the highest bidder in 2015.According to the introduction to the film, its distribution arrangements stipulate that only one copy can legally exist.This scarcity is both a protest and a claim that music should still have intrinsic value as art in the digital age.The ensuing debate it sparked involved technology, creation and ownership.The report mentioned that it is difficult for ordinary listeners to own this album. The high price and uniqueness make it a highly controversial cultural object.

Director Joanna Natasegara is more concerned with the process of people turning seemingly impossible goals into reality step by step.She said that the identity of “disciple” must require a teacher, and the film also shows RZA's ability to guide people around him: “his talent is not to make copies, but to encourage each mentee to become the best version of himself.”In her opinion, RZA saw Cilvaringz’s persistence and motivation and gave him a chance, and the two made music history together.

First Showing also quoted a creative statement: “Ultimately, I think it makes us think about what we can do with the time we have, and how to use it to create something meaningful, ambitious, and hopefully make people happy.”

Natasegala has previously worked as a producer on Virunga, The White Helmets, The Edge of Democracy and The Dating Game, and has won an Oscar.This is her directorial debut and she also serves as a producer on the film, which is also produced by Abigail Anktel-Jones, Lauren Dark and Vanessa Kirby.

The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year under the shorter title - The Disciple - (tentative translation), and later also participated in the Telluride Film Festival.

The film’s announced release date on Netflix is October 16, 2026.