Look, we’ve all had those moments where we thought, “You know what this world needs? More Neil Diamond tribute bands.” Well, Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson just made that fever dream a reality with Song Sung Blue, and honestly? The trailer looks like it might actually work.
Musical Chemistry
The Song Sung Blue trailer dropped September 9, giving us our first look at Jackman and Hudson as real-life Milwaukee couple Mike and Claire Sardina, who formed the tribute band Lightning & Thunder. Because apparently, the world needed a feel-good story about down-on-their-luck musicians finding love through “Sweet Caroline.”
Director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) adapted Greg Kohs’ 2008 documentary of the same name, with Focus Features banking on Christmas Day magic. Hudson couldn’t contain her excitement during filming: “Loved every second making this beautiful film, working with the most lovely work husband you could ask for, @thehughjackman, singing the iconic songs of Neil Diamond.”
True Story Magic
What makes Song Sung Blue work isn’t just the star power, it’s the genuine story behind it. The real Mike and Claire Sardina became local legends performing Diamond’s hits, proving that sometimes the best entertainment comes from pure passion rather than original songwriting. Jackman’s Mike admits in the trailer: “I’m not a songwriter, I’m not a sex symbol—I just want to entertain people.”
The film wrapped production in December 2024 after filming in New Jersey, with Hudson sharing behind-the-scenes moments of their “matching green eye balls” and musical chemistry. Supporting cast includes Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens, Jim Belushi, and King Princess in her big-screen debut.
Christmas Release
Song Sung Blue hits theaters December 25, 2025, positioning itself as the perfect feel-good holiday entertainment. With Brewer’s track record for authentic musical storytelling and the leads’ proven chemistry, this tribute to tribute bands might just become the unexpected crowd-pleaser of the season.
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