Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It
| Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Paris Barclay |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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Production company | White Horse Pictures Homegrown Pictures
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| Distributed by | Abramorama |
Release dates |
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Running time | 105 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $77,771[2][3] |
Billy Preston: That's The Way God Planned It is a 2024 documentary written by Paris Barclay and Cheo Hodari Coker and directed by Barclay, released in select North American markets beginning February 20, 2026.[4][5] It documents the life of keyboardist, singer and songwriter Billy Preston, from his early years as a child prodigy to his death in 2006.[6]
Production
The film was produced by White Horse Pictures and Homegrown Pictures, and presented by Concord Originals, Impact Partners, Play/Action Pictures and Chicago Media Project in association with Sobey Road Entertainment, DK Films and Polygram Entertainment.
UTA Independent Film Group with White Horse Pictures helped raise the funding and broker sales of the film.
Release and reception
The film released into select theaters beginning February 20, 2026[7], debuting at the New York City movie theater Film Forum.[7] In a review of the film for Variety when it was showcased at the SXSW in Austin, critic Owen Gleiberman wrote "as the documentary reveals, Billy Preston was an elusive figure — ebullient and all there, and also hidden and mysterious", noting that "Just when you’re think you’re watching an upbeat pop doc, the dark side of Billy Preston’s life comes crashing in. And is it ever dark."[8] For The New York Times, critic Glenn Kenny wrote "the music that buoys this chronicle is a constant source of joy."[9]
The film was previously hit with a fraud lawsuit that the film overcame;[10] Paris Barclay told Deadline that "This meritless complaint, which reeks of homophobia and attempts at blatant censorship, is a sad reminder that his story is more important than ever to tell."[1]
References
- ^ a b Patten, Dominic; Erik, Pedersen. ""Reeks of Homophobia & …Blatant Censorship": Director Paris Barclay Slams Billy Preston Documentary Fraud Lawsuit – Update". Deadline. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
- ^ "Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on January 3, 2026. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ "Bill Preston: That's the Way God Planned It – Financial Information". The Numbers. Archived from the original on January 7, 2026. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (2025-12-12). "Billy Preston Doc Set For Release Via Abramorama; Olivia Harrison & Jeffrey Lurie Among Exec Producers". Deadline. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Friedlander, Matt (2025-12-15). "Documentary About Legendary Beatles Collaborator and Solo Star Billy Preston Getting Its Theatrical Release in 2026". American Songwriter. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Gleiberman, Owen (2024-11-22). "'Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It' Review: Eye-Opening Look at the Organ Prodigy Who Fused with the Beatles and Helped to Forge Funk". Variety. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ a b "Preview Billy Preston 'That's the Way God Planned It' Documentary". Rock Cellar Magazine. 2026-01-20. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Gleiberman, Owen (2024-11-22). "'Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It' Review: Eye-Opening Look at the Organ Prodigy Who Fused with the Beatles and Helped to Forge Funk". Variety. Retrieved 2026-02-09.
- ^ Kenny, Glenn (2026-02-18). "'Billy Preston' Review: A Unique and Tortured Talent". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (2026-01-19). "'Billy Preston: That's The Way God Planned It': Watch The Trailer For Documentary About "Fifth Beatle"". Deadline. Retrieved 2026-02-12.