Acclaimed musician and filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is set to direct an extensive documentary about legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire, scheduled for release in 2026 on HBO and its streaming platform Max. The project, which has received full support from the estate of band founder Maurice White, aims to tell the definitive story of one of music’s most influential groups through rare footage and previously unseen materials spanning their five-decade career.
The documentary represents a significant collaboration between multiple production companies, including Fifth Season, RadicalMedia, Two One Five Entertainment, Broken Halo Entertainment, and Word Is Bond, working in association with Sony Music Vision. This partnership has enabled unprecedented access to the band’s extensive archives, including unreleased audio recordings, visual materials, and written notes that will provide viewers with new insights into the group’s creative process and cultural impact.
Earth, Wind & Fire, founded in the 1960s by Maurice White, revolutionized music by seamlessly blending rock, funk, jazz, and R&B into a distinctive sound that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. Hit songs like “September” and “Shining Star” remain cultural touchstones, exemplifying the band’s enduring legacy and widespread influence on contemporary music. The group’s remarkable achievement as nine-time Grammy winners further cements their status as musical pioneers who transcended traditional genre boundaries.
Earth, Wind & Fire transformed the musical landscape by fusing diverse genres into a timeless sound that still captivates listeners today.
The documentary will explore both the historical context of the band’s rise to fame and the deeper meaning behind their music and message. Questlove has described this project as “The definitive story of the elements,” highlighting his commitment to comprehensively documenting the band’s journey.
Questlove, who has previously demonstrated his skill as a documentarian with award-winning projects, has expressed his personal connection to Earth, Wind & Fire’s music and his commitment to preserving their history for future generations. The film will also showcase how the band capitalized on sync deals to extend their influence beyond traditional music platforms. His selection of HBO as the platform for this project reflects his belief that it offers the best avenue for sharing this important story with American audiences.
The film will not only celebrate the band’s musical achievements but also examine their significant cultural contributions during a transformative period in American history, providing both entertainment and educational value for viewers interested in the intersection of music, culture, and society. Fans will be able to experience the documentary across multiple streaming platforms and can explore supplementary content through royalty-free recordings that showcase the band’s extensive musical catalog.
