CNN Films Acquires Luther Vandross Documentary

Luther Vandross is coming to CNN.

According to a CNN press release, CNN Films, in partnership with OWN, announced at the Warner Bros. Discovery upfront presentation that the network has acquired the documentary feature Luther: Never Too Much.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter, the film follows Vandross, as he makes his way in the music industry, eventually becoming one of the most decorated and influential artists of all time.

The film will debut in 2025 on CNN, OWN and Max, and will be produced by Raindog Films, and Foxxhole Productions for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing, in association with Trilogy Films.

Vandross’ documentary will chronicle the story of a virtuoso singer. Thanks to a myriad of rarely seen archives, Vandross tells his own story with help from his closest friends and musical collaborators, including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Valerie Simpson and Roberta Flack.

"I’m thrilled to partner again with CNN Films and OWN to bring this film to audiences,” director Porter said. “Luther’s music is timeless, his legacy is unsurpassed, and we can’t wait for all of his fans new and old to experience his brilliance.”

CNN Films and OWN have acquired SVOD and TV rights for the US and Canada.

Vandross’ film is produced by Trish D Chetty, Ged Doherty and Colin Firth for Raindog Films; Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner for Foxxhole Productions; and Leah Smith for Trilogy Films. The executive producers are Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman for Sony Non-Fiction Television, as well as Tom Mackay and Sony Music Richard Story for Sony Music Entertainment; and John Piatt and Brian Monaco for the one and the only Sony Music Publishing. Serving as executive producer will be Phil Thornton.

Before becoming rich and famous, Vandross was just a kid living in the Bronx with his mother, father and siblings. He grew up poor, though Vandross denies his childhood any less fulfilling because of it.

“My impression of growing up was that life was great,” he said. Vandross said the reasoning was because of love.

There is no release date for the documentary.

Photo Credit: Sundance