Paramount+ shared the official trailer for Willie Nelson & Family, the documentary series, billed as the first and only authorized work, exploring the extraordinary life of the music icon.
Release Date
Directed and executive produced by Emmy Award® & Grammy Award®-winning filmmaker Thom Zimny (Sly, Springsteen on Broadway, The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash), and Academy Award®-nominated & Emmy Award®-winning filmmaker Oren Moverman (Love & Mercy, The Messenger), Willie Nelson & Family world premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, and will premiere as a four-part series exclusively on Paramount+ beginning Thursday, December 21.
Synopsis
Told in Willie’s own voice, the four-part series delves into the unparalleled seven-decade career of Willie Nelson, 90, who has carved his rightful place among the greatest singer-songwriter and guitar players of all time, and underscores both his personal and professional highs and lows. At turns spiritual, dramatic and playful, the film spotlights the badass American outlaw cowboy who transcended his humble beginnings in small-town Abbott, Texas, and speaks volumes through his lyrics and melodies, philanthropy, marijuana advocacy and activism on behalf of the American farmer.
Filmed throughout the country, the series traces back through time to weave perspectives from the artist’s actual and figurative families, including his children, sister Bobbie Nelson, fellow musicians, lifelong friends, producers, lawyers, booking agent, tour manager, driver, several Willie-ologists, concert goers and anyone who shaped or was shaped by the quintessential visionary.
“Willie’s music formed the soundtrack of my youth. His songwriting helped shape me as a storyteller,” said executive producer Taylor Sheridan. “Willie is a national treasure and his story will serve as inspiration for all those seeking their own path that leads away from the clouds of compromise. Willie has opened his life to us — warts and all — to serve as a beacon to overcoming failure, realizing dreams, and keeping your compass once the dream is achieved.”
“It’s been an honor of a lifetime to live in Willie World and travel this long road with the great man and his family. Willie is the last of the consensus artists in America, bringing together people from across every divide: age, class, race, orientation, political affiliation, and more. And so this series, like Willie’s music, is about healing. Let there be more of it. Let it be as deeply felt as Willie Nelson. We couldn’t be more grateful,” said Thom Zimny and Oren Moverman.
Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer of Willie Nelson & Family.