Netflix has officially released the first trailer for its much-anticipated biopic on heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio—and the metal world is ablaze with excitement. But the real headline? The role of the iconic frontman will be played by none other than Emmy Award winner Finn Wolfhard.
Directed by visionary filmmaker Alex Garland, Holy Diver promises to be far more than a typical rock biography. The film dives deep into Dio’s unparalleled vocal legacy, his fantasy-driven lyricism, his spiritual convictions, and his rise from humble beginnings to fronting legendary bands like Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio.
“Ronnie wasn’t just a voice—he was a universe,” Wolfhard shared in a statement accompanying the trailer’s release. “He sang like a prophet, wrote like a mystic, and carried a presence that could silence stadiums. It’s a profound honor—and challenge—to portray him.” Known for his dedication to character work, Wolfhard reportedly trained with vocal coaches for months, studied Dio’s live performances, and immersed himself in the world of ‘80s metal and medieval fantasy lore.
The trailer is a metalhead’s fever dream—glimpses of Dio belting out anthems under a cathedral of lights, writing lyrics in candlelit rooms, and navigating the industry’s darker forces. A spine-chilling orchestral remix of “Rainbow in the Dark” plays as scenes flash between thunderous concerts and Dio’s quieter, contemplative moments.
Fans immediately lit up social media. “Finn’s got the fire,” one fan wrote on X. “He understands Dio’s soul—it’s not just music, it’s myth.” Others applauded the choice of Garland as director, citing his ability to balance surrealism and sincerity in films like Ex Machina and Annihilation.
Netflix has kept supporting cast details under wraps, but insiders reveal the film will feature portrayals of key figures such as Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, and Wendy Dio. It will also explore Dio’s fight against cancer and his lasting legacy through the Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
Garland, who’s reportedly been working on the script for over four years, called the project “a spiritual epic disguised as a rock film.” During a virtual press conference, he explained, “Ronnie’s music was storytelling—grand, emotional, defiant. We wanted the film to reflect that. It’s not just a look at his life—it’s a journey into the mythology he built.”
Wolfhard’s transformation is striking—not just the physical resemblance, but the sheer intensity he brings. Early clips show him donning Dio’s classic stage armor, throwing horns to roaring crowds, and belting lyrics with startling authenticity. Sources confirm he performs several songs live in the film, including “Holy Diver,” “Man on the Silver Mountain,” and “Heaven and Hell.”
Set for a global release this winter, Holy Diver is already generating awards buzz. With its blend of psychological richness, fantasy imagery, and a lead performance burning with passion, it could introduce a whole new generation to Dio’s divine roar.
Whether you’re a lifelong Dio disciple or new to the church of metal, this is one film you won’t want to miss. As Wolfhard put it: “To portray Ronnie is to summon a legend—not to mimic him, but to channel him. You don’t just play Dio—you invoke him.”
