First Look: Official Trailer Released for 'Neil Peart: No One's Disciple' Documentary

It’s been over a decade since Banger Films gave us Beyond the Lighted Stage, and now directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn are returning to the Rush universe with a deeply personal new project. According to official festival press, Neil Peart: No One's Disciple is an upcoming 106-minute feature documentary that chronicles our beloved Professor's early struggles as a young musician and his meteoric rise with the band. Sourced from archival footage, personal interviews, and remembrances from those closest to him, the film aims to explore the man beyond the drum kit, his life as a loyal friend, his prolific writing, and his profound journey through grief in the late 1990s following the tragic loss of his daughter and wife. Despite the heavy subject matter, early notes from TIFF promise the documentary’s vibe is ultimately "more joyful than mournful," celebrating his legacy with plenty of air-drumming moments.

The musical centerpiece of the film is sure to be an emotional watch for any fan. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson returned to the studio to jam classic Rush tracks, but this time they are joined by four massive talents filling Pratt's seat: Stewart Copeland of The Police, Danny Carey of Tool, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree and King Crimson. Seeing these revered players tackle Neil's intricately crafted parts is meant to highlight just how singular his ingenuity and dexterity truly were. A newly released trailer has just dropped, giving us our first look at these studio sessions and the intimate conversations that anchor the film.

For those looking to see it on the big screen, No One's Disciple will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 16, 2026, with additional festival screenings scheduled for September 17 and September 19. For the rest of our Canadian readers, the documentary will make its television debut shortly after on September 23, airing on CBC and streaming on CBC Gem as part of The Passionate Eye series. We'll be keeping a close watch on when U.S. and other international distribution details are announced.

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