WATCH: New Jonah Lomu doco trailer reveals 'complicated' life of the rugby icon

The trailer for the powerful new documentary about legendary All Black Jonah Lomu has officially dropped.

‘LOMU’ follows Jonah’s journey from the streets of South Auckland to becoming one of the biggest names rugby has ever seen.

“One in a million,” as described in the trailer.

But it’s not just another sports documentary - it’s a deeper dive into the late All Black’s identity, faith and resilience.

The world knew the legend, few knew the man.

Through interviews with family, friends, teammates and coaches - alongside never-before-seen family footage - the documentary reveals a side of Jonah many fans may never have seen.

An interviewee in the trailer says Jonah was a “Superstar”... “But, man, his life was complicated”.

“The film explores the immense weight of expectation carried by one of the world’s first global rugby superstars, and the enduring legacy of a man who changed not only how rugby was played, but who the game belonged to,” a statement about the film’s release reads.

“Beneath his on-field dominance was a shy and deeply grounded young man shaped by Tongan values, strong Christian faith, and the pressures of representing both nation and culture on the world stage.”

Jonah battled a chronic kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome) for most of his adult life, after being diagnosed 1995.

The rugby icon died suddenly from cardiac arrest on November 18, 2015, at his home in Auckland, which is believed to have been triggered by a blood clot on the lung.

Ahead of its official premiere, ‘LOMU’ will first screen in Tonga for a special free public viewing at Teufaiva Rugby Stadium on July 29.

Co-director Vea Mafile’o says, “There’s an old Tongan proverb, ‘Pikipiki hama ka tau vaevae manava’ - It reminds us that when the seas get rough, we tie our vaka together and help each other breathe.”

“It’s about returning home, using what you have to help the people beside you, sharing strength to steady others.”

She said the screening reflects Jonah’s generous spirit and the way he always gave back to those around him.

Bringing this film home for a free public screening before cinemas is something that has never been done before.

The screening will also mark Jonah’s mother's return home to Tonga, making the moment even more emotional for those involved.

“My hope is that all of Tonga comes to watch and celebrate, and together we show the world what our people are capable of,” Mafile’o adds.

‘LOMU’ will officially premiere in Aotearoa on August 1 at Auckland’s Civic Theatre before hitting screens in cinemas across NZ in September.