Why Prince's vault stays locked 10 years on

TL;DR

Prince's estate managers face fan frustration over slow vault releases and stalled projects 10 years after his death.
No major vault material released since 2023's Diamonds and Pearls deluxe set; Netflix documentary shelved in 2024.
Estate co-managed by Londell McMillan's Prince Legacy LLC and Primary Wave hinders quick decisions on promotions.

The story at a glance

The article examines why Prince's vast unreleased vault remains mostly locked 10 years after his 2016 death, amid fan disappointment with estate handling. Key players include co-executives Londell McMillan of Prince Legacy LLC and Primary Wave Music, which split control after siblings sold shares in 2021. It's reported now to mark the decade and highlight delays like the canceled Netflix film and slow Paisley Park activity. Prince died without a will, leading to years of probate fights.

Key points

Fans cite stalled projects: nine-hour Netflix documentary by Oscar winner shelved in late 2024 over estate objections to tone; $26.5 million Purple Rain musical opened in Minneapolis fall 2025 but Broadway unlikely soon.
No significant vault releases since 2023 Diamonds and Pearls Super Deluxe; upcoming deluxe Parade (1986) and Musicology (2004) mentioned.
At 2025 Prince Celebration, McMillan and Charles Spicer Jr. touted Ryan Coogler jukebox film, in-house documentary, and Purple Rain musical edits for possible 2027-2028 Broadway.
Paisley Park museum lacks on-site decision-makers; directions come from McMillan in New York; fans report low activity.
McMillan blocked Apollonia trademark for Purple Rain musical (settled out of court) and canceled Hollywood Walk of Fame star, citing Prince's past refusals.
Estate split: three eldest siblings gave half to Prince Legacy LLC; others sold to Primary Wave, which has shareholders and partners like Warner Bros. and Sony.

Details and context

Prince's estate has been co-managed by Prince Legacy LLC and Primary Wave since 2021, after six years of probate court battles among six siblings. Earlier, Graceland Holdings ran Paisley Park effectively as a museum and hosted fan events like Celebration; a 2021 shoe exhibit stood out.

Vault access was restricted by Netflix deal until recently; projects need joint approval across LLC, Primary Wave shareholders, labels, and tech partners for digitizing.

Fans like Matthew Jeffery wrote a 10,000-word open letter; some defend estate's protective intent but criticize poor execution and communication. McMillan notes they took over 3½ years ago, free of Netflix limits for under 1½ years.[[1]](https://www.startribune.com/prince-estate-londell-mcmillan-paisley-park-primary-wave-charles-spicer-purple-rain/601587515)

Past lawsuits, like McMillan and Spicer's 2024 win against heirs over LLC control, show ongoing tensions but aren't central here.[[2]](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/prince-estate-lawsuit-heirs-llc-1235054438)

Key quotes

“You should understand that we just took over this estate 3½ years ago, and I would say [it’s been] less than a year and a half being able to be free of the restrictions that Netflix had,” said Londell McMillan of Prince Legacy LLC.[[1]](https://www.startribune.com/prince-estate-londell-mcmillan-paisley-park-primary-wave-charles-spicer-purple-rain/601587515)
“The problem is the execution has been bad. You can’t be both the visionary and the person to execute the plan,” said fan and lawyer Donny English.[[1]](https://www.startribune.com/prince-estate-londell-mcmillan-paisley-park-primary-wave-charles-spicer-purple-rain/601587515)

Why it matters

Slow vault releases and project delays risk fading Prince's visibility among younger fans, despite his status as Minnesota's top music icon. Fans and visitors see fewer events at Paisley Park, while artists like Michael Jackson get biopic and musical boosts. Watch for Coogler film, in-house documentary, and Purple Rain Broadway progress, though joint management may cause more holdups.