Archive footage and exclusive interviews lead upcoming Earth, Wind & Fire film on HBO Max
A new HBO Original documentary tracking the creative development and cultural influence of Earth, Wind & Fire is scheduled to premiere this summer. Directed and produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the film is titled Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s The Weight Of The World). It debuts Sunday, June 7 from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream simultaneously on HBO Max.
The project focuses heavily on the band’s late founding member, Maurice White. Thompson utilizes material from the band’s visual, audio, and written archives to examine how White integrated spiritual, metaphysical, and astrological themes into the group’s songwriting. The documentary covers the band’s stylistic transitions across jazz, soul, R&B, Afro-funk, and disco, alongside the development of their theatrical live performances.
The narrative incorporates never-before-seen footage alongside interviews with surviving band members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson. Additional commentary is provided by family members, industry managers, and musicians influenced by the group’s catalog, including Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, H.E.R., and Flea. Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama also participate in the retrospective.
The film examines how the band’s work influenced later generations of musicians like Prince, as well as its ongoing presence in modern hip-hop production through sampling. Production credits for the documentary include RadicalMedia, Two One Five Entertainment, Broken Halo Entertainment, and Word Is Bond, in association with Sony Music Vision and Fifth Season. Executive producers for HBO include Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Sara Rodriguez.
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