Trending Now - ESPN Cancels Boston Marathon Documentary Over Rights Dispute

WHO:

Variety - Frank Marshall is the director and producer of the documentary "Rachel, Breathe."

The Hollywood Reporter - Rachel Foster is the marathoner featured in the documentary.

WHAT:

Variety - ESPN pulled the documentary "Rachel, Breathe" an hour before its scheduled premiere.

The Hollywood Reporter - The documentary was scheduled to premiere on ESPN2 at 7:00 PM ET on April 19th, 2026.

The Hollywood Reporter - The documentary was intended to have a repeat airing on April 20th, 2026, following coverage of the 130th Boston Marathon.

WHERE:

Deadline - The documentary was set to air on ESPN2.

WHEN:

Variety - The documentary was scheduled to premiere on April 19th, 2026.

The Hollywood Reporter - The repeat airing was scheduled for April 20th, 2026.

WHY:

Variety - The documentary was pulled due to a rights disagreement between Frank Marshall and ESPN.

The Hollywood Reporter - The licensing agreement was not finalized in time due to additional terms introduced late in the discussions.

HOW:

The Hollywood Reporter - ESPN lawyers stopped negotiations an hour before the broadcast and instructed to "sign it now or we are pulling the show," according to Frank Marshall.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 17:20 UTC)

ESPN pulled the documentary "Rachel, Breathe," which features marathoner Rachel Foster and is directed by Frank Marshall, just an hour before its scheduled premiere on Sunday at 7:00 PM ET. The decision came after a rights disagreement, as negotiations fell through due to late changes in the licensing agreement that ESPN lawyers deemed unacceptable. A repeat airing was planned for on Monday, following coverage of the 130th Boston Marathon, but that too is now in jeopardy.