Luther: Never too muchA documentary about legendary R&B singer Luther Vandross is coming to a theater near you this fall.
Giant Pictures is the theatrical distributor of the film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and toured the Tribeca Film Festival, Hot Docs International Film Festival and the Nantucket Film Festival. 2025, Luther: Never too much will premiere on CNN, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network and Max. The eight-time Grammy Award winner died in 2005 at the age of 54, nearly 20 years after the doctor arrived.
“It was a pleasure making this film. Rudd was a talented performer, composer and producer. His influence spanned many genres, and we’re excited to discover each one,” said the film’s director, award-winning producer Dawn Porter said in a statement. “It’s so fun to see old fans remember why they loved him and new fans get to know his talent.”
Vandross began her career as a backup singer for Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler and David Bowie. He released his first double platinum album, never too much, released in 1981, has sold 40 million albums worldwide. Most of his albums have achieved platinum or double platinum status, and he has had five hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Here and Now,” “Endless Love” and “Power of Love/Love Power”. He has had 27 top 10 songs on the R&B charts, including 7 No. 1 songs, and received 33 Grammy nominations.
The film follows the R&B icon’s prolific career and his struggles with sexual orientation and overeating. Some of Vandross’ former bandmates and collaborators also spoke about his personal life and legacy on film, including his musical partners Marcus Miller, Mariah Carey, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Valerie Simpson, Richard Marx and Jamie Foxx, who also produced the documentary.
“The entire Giant Pictures team fell in love with Luther: Never too much Following this year’s fantastic film festival. This film is a huge hit with audiences and is a must-see, not only for existing fans of Luther Vandross, but also for those discovering his incredible talent for the first time.” Giant Films general manager Nick Savoie said in a statement. “We are excited to partner with Sony Music, Raindog Films and CNN Films to produce this film for nationwide theatrical release.”
The Luther Vandross Estate added: “As we approach the 20th anniversary of the death of Luther Vandross, the Luther Vandross Estate is excited to announce the upcoming release of Luther: Never too much Drama and CNN. For the past 15 years, our mission has been to tell the world the story of Luther’s journey to create amazing and inspiring music. Dawn Porter and her team have created a film that pays homage to the man and his talent.
The deal was negotiated by Savva on behalf of Giant Pictures and Sony Music Vision.
Directed and produced by Dawn Porter, Luther: Never too much 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 for Sony Pictures Television Nonfiction are Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman; Tom McKay and Richard Storey for Sony Music Entertainment; Jon Platt and Brian Monaco for Sony Music Publishing; Colin Firth (Colin Firth for Raindog Films; Phil Thornton for Foxxhole Productions; Carmen Romano, Brenda Shields, Fonzi Thornton, Seveda · Seveda Williams and David Gottlieb for Luther Vandross Estate; and Lawrence Mestel and Nata for Junior Wave Music Leah Nastakin. Sony Music Vision is the distributor. CNN Films and OWN own television and SVOD rights in the United States and Canada.
