Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It
| Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It | |
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| 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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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, scheduled for release in select North American markets on February 20, 2026.[2][3] It will document the life of keyboardist, singer and songwriter Billy Preston, from his early years as a child prodigy to his death in 2006.[4]
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
Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It premiered at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival.[5] The film is scheduled for release into select theaters on February 20, 2026.[6] The film will premiere at the New York City movie theater the Film Forum.[6] In a review of the film when it was showcased at the SXSW in Austin, critic Owen Gieberman wrote that "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."[7]
The film was later hit with a fraud lawsuit that the film overcame;[8] 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Friedlander, Matt (December 15, 2025). "Documentary About Legendary Beatles Collaborator and Solo Star Billy Preston Getting Its Theatrical Release in 2026". American Songwriter. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.