Netflix has recently unveiled the trailer for a highly anticipated documentary on George Harrison, the iconic guitarist of The Beatles, set to premiere in late 2025. Titled George Harrison: Living in the Material World, this film promises an in-depth exploration of Harrison’s life, from his pivotal role in shaping the Beatles’ sound to his groundbreaking solo career and profound spiritual journey. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the documentary builds on his 2011 HBO project of the same name but offers fresh perspectives with previously unseen footage, exclusive interviews, and a focus on Harrison’s multifaceted legacy as a musician, philanthropist, and cultural bridge between East and West.
The trailer has already sparked excitement among fans, teasing a comprehensive look at the so-called “Quiet Beatle” who left an indelible mark on music and culture.The trailer highlights Harrison’s early years in Liverpool, where his passion for music took root, leading to his integral role in the Beatles during the height of Beatlemania. It showcases rare archival footage of the band’s formative years, including their Hamburg performances and the creation of landmark albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The documentary doesn’t shy away from Harrison’s frustrations within the Beatles, particularly his struggle for creative control amidst the towering songwriting partnership of Lennon and McCartney.
Interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and close friends like Eric Clapton provide intimate insights into Harrison’s quiet yet fierce determination to carve his own path, both within the band and beyond. The trailer’s glimpses of these moments suggest a narrative that balances Harrison’s contributions to the Beatles with his personal evolution.A significant focus of the documentary, as teased in the trailer, is Harrison’s embrace of Indian culture and spirituality, which profoundly influenced his music and worldview. His introduction of the sitar to Western pop music, most notably in the Beatles’ Rubber Soul track “Norwegian Wood,” marked a turning point in his career and in global music trends.
The trailer features clips of Harrison studying with sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and exploring Eastern philosophy, which led to his advocacy for the Hare Krishna movement. This spiritual dimension is woven into the film’s narrative, illustrating how Harrison’s quest for meaning shaped songs like “Within You Without You” and his solo masterpiece All Things Must Pass. The documentary promises to delve into how these experiences made Harrison a pioneer in blending Eastern and Western musical traditions.Beyond music, the trailer underscores Harrison’s lesser-known ventures, such as his role as a film producer with HandMade Films, which backed iconic movies like Monty Python’s Life of Brian and Time Bandits. Interviews with figures like Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam highlight Harrison’s wit and willingness to take creative risks outside music.
The documentary also touches on his passion for Formula One racing and his personal life, including candid reflections from his wife Olivia and son Dhani Harrison. These elements paint a picture of a man whose curiosity and humanity extended far beyond his Beatles fame, challenging the oversimplified “Quiet Beatle” label. The trailer’s montage of these diverse facets suggests a film that celebrates Harrison’s complexity and contributions across multiple fields.The trailer also hints at the documentary’s unflinching look at Harrison’s personal struggles, including his troubled first marriage to Pattie Boyd, his near-fatal stabbing in 1999, and his battle with cancer, which claimed his life in 2001. Archival footage and interviews with those closest to him, including Yoko Ono and Phil Spector, provide a sobering reflection on these challenges. Yet, the trailer balances these darker moments with Harrison’s resilience and humor, as seen in anecdotes from friends like Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne from his Traveling Wilburys days.
This approach promises a documentary that honors Harrison’s humanity without sanitizing his life’s complexities, offering fans a nuanced portrait of a man navigating fame, spirituality, and personal trials.Anticipation for the documentary is high, fueled by Scorsese’s reputation for crafting compelling music documentaries, such as The Last Waltz and No Direction Home. The trailer’s release has already generated buzz on platforms like X, with fans praising its evocative visuals and the promise of new insights into Harrison’s life. Set to stream on Netflix later in 2025, George Harrison:
Living in the Material World aims to reaffirm Harrison’s enduring significance, not just as a Beatle but as a cultural innovator whose music and ideals continue to resonate. With its blend of rare footage, heartfelt interviews, and a focus on Harrison’s spiritual and artistic legacy, this documentary is poised to be a must-watch for Beatles fans and music lovers alike.
