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MUBI has unveiled the official trailer for Making Marie Antoinette, a new documentary exploring the making of Sofia Coppola’s 2006 period drama Marie Antoinette. Directed by Coppola’s late mother, Eleanor Coppola, the documentary offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the visually striking film starring Kirsten Dunst.
The documentary brings previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage to the screen, capturing the production of Coppola’s distinctive interpretation of the life of France’s infamous queen. The footage was originally recorded by Eleanor during filming and later revisited by the mother-daughter duo during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After reviewing approximately 80 hours of material, the filmmakers shaped the footage into a feature-length documentary that provides a personal perspective on the making of the film.
What Does the Making Marie Antoinette Trailer Reveal?
The newly released trailer features behind-the-scenes footage of Dunst in character as Marie Antoinette, alongside archival recordings of the cast and crew at work. Viewers are also offered glimpses of Coppola discussing her creative approach, as well as candid moments that capture the atmosphere on set.
Beyond the production itself, Making Marie Antoinette promises an intimate look at the relationship between Eleanor and Sofia, with the documentary highlighting the director’s filmmaking methods and the experiences that shaped the original movie.
Actress Diane Lane narrates passages from Eleanor’s journals throughout the documentary, adding a reflective dimension to the footage. The narration explores Eleanor’s perspective as an observer documenting her daughter’s work, including her thoughts on balancing her own creative interests with the desire to remain unobtrusive on set.
The result is a personal record of a major film production, viewed through the eyes of someone who was both a family member and a behind-the-scenes documentarian.
Revisiting Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette
Released in 2006, Marie Antoinette offered an unconventional take on the life of the Austrian-born queen who became one of the most recognisable figures in French history. Rather than relying solely on traditional historical drama conventions, Coppola approached the story through a contemporary, visually expressive lens.
Dunst led the film as Marie Antoinette, with Jason Schwartzman portraying Louis XVI. The movie became known for its lavish costumes, elaborate production design and distinctive soundtrack, which blended modern music with its 18th-century setting.
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006, competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or. It later received significant recognition for its craftsmanship, winning the Academy Award for Best Costume Design at the 79th Oscars.
With Making Marie Antoinette, audiences will have an opportunity to revisit the film from a different perspective, discovering more about the creative decisions, personalities and experiences behind its production.
When Will Making Marie Antoinette Be Released?
Making Marie Antoinette premiered at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival on September 5, 2026.
The documentary is scheduled to open in select cinemas across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada on October 23, before making its global streaming debut on MUBI on November 6.
The release offers fans of Coppola’s work an opportunity to explore the story behind one of her most distinctive films, while celebrating Eleanor Coppola’s work as a filmmaker and documentarian.
