Eminem made a rare public appearance on August 6, at the New York City premiere of his documentary Stans, held at The Rooftop at Pier 17.

The sold-out screening was filled with fans eager to see the film, which delves into the deep connection between the rapper and his most devoted followers. Eminem, dressed in his signature hat and leather jacket, surprised the audience by taking the stage before the film began.

He expressed his gratitude to fans for their unwavering support over the years, acknowledging both the highs and lows of his career.

"This film was a thank you to all of you," he said, according to a fan's TikTok video. "For sticking with me through all my bulls--t, through all my mediocre s--t, the good s--t, the bad s--t—all of it."

@frontroworbust #eminem #fyp #stan #nyc @eminem ♬ original sound - Front Row Or Bust

The documentary, co-produced by Eminem and directed by Steven Leckart, explores the phenomenon of superfandom through the lens of Eminem's most dedicated fans. The term "stan," popularized by Eminem's 2000 hit song of the same name, refers to an obsessive fan and has since been added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Leckart noted that the song's portrayal of a fan's obsession resonated with many, leading to real-life instances of fans claiming personal connections to Eminem.

"When you have 45 million followers on Instagram, and you're one of the most famous people in the world, you're going to attract a lot of variety," Leckart told US Weekly. 

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The casting process for the documentary was extensive, with over 9,000 submissions from fans worldwide. Leckart and his team utilized an online questionnaire shared through Eminem's social media channels to identify individuals whose stories embodied the impact of his music.

The film features personal accounts from fans who have been profoundly affected by Eminem's work, showcasing the diverse ways his music has influenced their lives.

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One of the standout moments of the premiere was the appearance of actor Devon Sawa, who portrayed the character Stan in the iconic music video. Sawa attended the event with his son, creating a full-circle moment that resonated with fans.

The documentary's release has sparked discussions among fans about the nature of fandom and the boundaries between admiration and obsession. Many are eager to see how their own experiences align with those portrayed in the film, reflecting on the profound impact Eminem's music has had on their lives.

Stans is currently showing in select theaters and will be available for streaming on Paramount+ later this year. For more information, visit the film's official website – HERE. 

Photo Credit: @eminem on Instagram.