Luther: Never Too Much, the documentary on legendary R&B singer Luther Vandross, is coming to a theater near you this fall.
Giant Pictures is on board as the theatrical distributor for the film, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival and also visited the Tribeca Festival, Hot Docs International Film Festival and Nantucket Film Festival. In 2025, Luther: Never Too Much will premiere on CNN, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and Max. The doc arrives nearly 20 years after the eight-time Grammy winner died in 2005 at age 54. He suffered a stroke in 2003.
“It was a joy to work on this film. Luther was a spectacularly talented performer, composer and producer. His influence was found in multiple genres, and it was a delight to discover each one,” award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter, who directed the film, said in a statement. “It has been so much fun to see longtime fans remember why they love him, and new fans come to understand his brilliance.”
Vandross began his career as a backup singer for Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler and David Bowie. He released his double-platinum debut album, Never Too Much, in 1981 and has sold 40 million albums worldwide. Most of his albums achieved platinum or double platinum status, and he scored five Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Here and Now,” “Endless Love” and “Power of Love/Love Power.” He earned 27 Top 10 hits on the R&B chart, including seven at No.1, and earned 33 Grammy nominations.
The film tackles the R&B icon’s rich career as well as his battles with his sexuality and overeating. Some of Vandross’ former bandmates and collaborators chime in about his personal life and legacy in the film, including his musical partner Marcus Miller, Mariah Carey, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Valerie Simpson, Richard Marx and Jamie Foxx, who also produced the doc.
“The whole Giant Pictures team fell in love with Luther: Never Too Much following its stellar film festival run this year. The film is a huge crowd-pleaser and a must-see, not only for existing fans of Luther Vandross, but also for those discovering his incredible talents for the first time,” Nick Savva, general manager of Giant Pictures, says in a statement. “We are excited to partner with Sony Music, Raindog Films and CNN Films on this nationwide theatrical release.”
The Luther Vandross Estate adds: “As we approach 20 years since Luther Vandross’ passing, The Luther Vandross Estate is thrilled for the upcoming releases of Luther: Never Too Much theatrically and on CNN. It has been a mission of ours for the last 15 years to bring the story of Luther’s journey creating amazing and inspiring music to the world. Dawn Porter and her team created a film that honors the man and his talents.”
The deal was negotiated by Savva on behalf of Giant Pictures with Sony Music Vision.
Directed and executive produced by Dawn Porter, Luther: Never Too Much is produced by Trish D Chetty and Ged Doherty for Raindog Films; Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner for Foxxhole Productions; and Leah Smith for Trilogy Films. Executive producers are Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman for Sony Pictures Television Nonfiction; Tom Mackay and Richard Story for Sony Music Entertainment; Jon Platt and Brian Monaco for Sony Music Publishing; Colin Firth for Raindog Films; Phil Thornton on behalf of Foxxhole Productions; Carmen Romano, Brenda Shields, Fonzi Thornton, Seveda Williams and David Gottlieb for The Luther Vandross Estate; and Lawrence Mestel and Natalia Nastaskin for Primary Wave Music. Sony Music Vision is the distributor. CNN Films and OWN hold television and SVOD rights for the U.S. and Canada.