Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It
Synopsis
With his signature gospel sound on the Hammond B3, Billy Preston doublehandedly elevated the greatest artists of his time – from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, from Aretha Franklin to Eric Clapton, from Ray Charles to Barbra Streisand to Sly and the Family Stone. In our film, we explore Billy's career and influence on generations of musicians, as he scored several number one hits of his own and became one of the most sought-after musicians in the world. He did all of this as a soul divided -- by his deep roots in the church, in constant conflict with his identity as a gay Black man, searching for a family of his own that would accept him for who he was.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
BILLY PRESTON: THAT'S THE WAY GOD PLANNED IT | OFFICIAL TRAILEROfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2026-02-03
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
SXSW Film & TV Festival
Festival / Special Debut
February 20, 2026
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Paris Barclay
- Screenplay & Story
- Paris Barclay, Cheo Hodari Coker
- Original Score
- Derrick Hodge, Robert Glasper
- Original Title
- Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 45m
- Production Studios
- White Horse Pictures, Homegrown Pictures, Concord Originals, Impact Partners, Chicago Media Project, Play/Action Pictures, Polygram Entertainment, Sobey Road Entertainment, Abramorama
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Paris Barclay
Paris Barclay, Cheo Hodari Coker
Derrick Hodge, Robert Glasper
Ernesto Lomeli, Carmen Delaney
Scott D. Hanson
Ben J. Murphy, Jonathan Clyde, Sophia Dilley, Nicholas Ferrall, Cassidy Hartmann
Department Leadership Roster
Paris Barclay
Director
Stephanie Allain
Producer
Nigel Sinclair
Producer
Jeanne Elfant Festa
Producer
Ernesto Lomeli
Director of Photography
Carmen Delaney
Director of Photography
Scott D. Hanson
Editor
Cheo Hodari Coker
Producer
Paris Barclay
Writer
Cheo Hodari Coker
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It about?
With his signature gospel sound on the Hammond B3, Billy Preston doublehandedly elevated the greatest artists of his time – from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, from Aretha Franklin to Eric Clapton, from Ray Charles to Barbra Streisand to Sly and the Family Stone. In our film, we explore Billy's career and influence on generations of musicians, as he scored several number one hits of his own and became one of the most sought-after musicians in the world. He did all of this as a soul divided -- by his deep roots in the church, in constant conflict with his identity as a gay Black man, searching for a family of his own that would accept him for who he was.
Who directed Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It?
Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It was directed by Paris Barclay.
Who stars in Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It?
The principal cast of Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It includes Billy Preston, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison, Eric Clapton, Gloria Jones.
When was Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It released and how long is it?
Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 1h 45m.
Who composed the musical score for Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It was composed by Derrick Hodge, Robert Glasper.