Song Sung Blue (film)
| Song Sung Blue | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Craig Brewer |
| Written by | Craig Brewer |
| Based on | Song Sung Blue by Greg Kohs |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Amy Vincent |
| Edited by | Billy Fox |
| Music by | Scott Bomar |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Focus Features (United States) Universal Pictures (International) |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 132 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Song Sung Blue is a 2025 American biographical musical drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Craig Brewer. It is based on the 2008 documentary film of the same name by Greg Kohs.[2] The film stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder. It also stars Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi.
Song Sung Blue had its premiere at the AFI Film Festival on October 26, 2025, and will be released in the United States by Focus Features on December 25. Hudson was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her performance in the film.
Cast
- Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina aka "Lightning"
- Kate Hudson as Claire Sardina aka "Thunder"
- Ella Anderson as Rachel Cartwright, Claire's daughter from her first marriage
- King Princess as Angelina Sardina, Mike's daughter from his first marriage
- Hudson Hensley as Dayna Cartwright, Claire's son from her first marriage
- Michael Imperioli as Mark Shurilla, a Buddy Holly impersonator turned guitarist
- Mustafa Shakir as Sex Machine, a James Brown impersonator
- Jayson Warner Smith as Earl/TCB
- Fisher Stevens as Dave Watson
- Jim Belushi as Tom D’Amato, "Lightning and Thunder's" manager
- Cecelia Riddett as Grandma Stengl
- Sean Allan Krill as Buddy Holmes, a promoter
- Beth Malone as Bridget
- John Beckwith as Eddie Vedder
- Erika Slezak as Frances Stengl, Claire's mother[3]
Production
In October 2024, it was announced that a musical drama film based on the 2008 documentary Song Sung Blue was in development at Focus Features with Craig Brewer writing, co-producing, and directing the film, with Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens, Jim Belushi, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, and Hudson Hilbert Hensley rounding out the main cast.[4] Pop singer-songwriter Neil Diamond granted the rights to use his music in the film, as he had also done for the original documentary, in which he met the real life Sardinas.[5]
Principal photography began on October 14, 2024, in Monmouth County, New Jersey.[6] A house in Old Tappan, New Jersey was another significant film location. Filming wrapped on December 11.[7] Amy Vincent was the cinematographer.[8] It was announced in June 2025 that Erika Slezak would be in the film.[9]
Release
To promote the film, from October 3-4 2025, Jackman and Hudson performed songs from the film live in a special concert presentation at Radio City Music Hall.[10] Song Sung Blue had its world premiere at the AFI Film Festival on October 26, 2025.[11] The film also screened at the Savannah Film Festival on October 30, 2025.[12]
Jackman and filmmaker Craig Brewer traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in December 2025 to further promote the film. Kopp's Frozen Custard released a flavor called "Song Sung Blueberry," in celebration of the film, that Jackman served at their Greenfield location on December 2, 2025. Jackman and Brewer later attended a showing at the Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee.
The film will be released theatrically in the United States on December 25, 2025 by Focus Features.[11]
Musical numbers
| Song Sung Blue (Music from the Motion Picture) | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album | |
| Released | December 19, 2025 |
| Genre | Film soundtrack |
| Length | 52:00 |
| Label | Back Lot Music |
| Producer | Scott Bomar [13] |
| No. | Title | Performer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Cherry, Cherry" | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson | 2:39 |
| 2. | "I'm a Believer" | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson | 2:47 |
| 3. | "Oh Boy!" | Michael Imperioli | 2:07 |
| 4. | "Walkin' After Midnight" | Kate Hudson | 2:23 |
| 5. | "Get On Up" | The Ton3s | 2:31 |
| 6. | "Forever in Blue Jeans" | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson | 3:11 |
| 7. | "Sweet Caroline" | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson | 3:35 |
| 8. | "Play Me" | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson | 4:07 |
| 9. | "Crunchy Granola Suite" | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson | 3:20 |
| 10. | "Holly Holy" | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson | 4:15 |
| 11. | "Everyday" | Michael Imperioli | 2:11 |
| 12. | "Sweet Dreams" | Kate Hudson | 2:37 |
| 13. | "I Am... I Said" | Hugh Jackman | 3:30 |
| 14. | "I've Been This Way Before" | Kate Hudson | 3:43 |
| 15. | "Soolaimon / Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show" | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson | 5:57 |
| 16. | "Song Sung Blue" | Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson | 4:04 |
| Total length: | 52:00 | ||
Reception
Critical response
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 74% of 42 critics' reviews are positive.[14]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gotham Independent Film Awards | December 1, 2025 | Musical Tribute | Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson | Won | [15] |
| Hollywood Music in Media Awards | November 19, 2025 | Music Themed Film, Biopic or Musical | Craig Brewer | Nominated | [16] |
| Savannah Film Festival | October 30, 2025 | Spotlight Director Award | Won | [17] | |
| Palm Springs International Film Festival | January 3, 2026 | Icon Award Actress | Kate Hudson | Won | [18] |
| Golden Globe Awards | January 11, 2026 | Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy | Kate Hudson | Nominated | [19] |
References
- ^ "Song Sung Blue (2026)". Irish Film Classification Office. November 21, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ Dudek, Duane (September 12, 2008). "Documentary follows pair's tragic romance". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ Blackwelder, Carson (June 13, 2025). "One Life to Live Alum Erika Slezak Set to Join General Hospital This Fall: A 'Daytime Legend'". People. People Inc. ISSN 0093-7673. OCLC 794712888. Archived from the original on June 14, 2025. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
- ^ Gomez, Dessi (October 14, 2024). "Hugh Jackman And Kate Hudson Board 'Song Sung Blue' For Focus Features". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ People Magazine Diamond Song Sung Blue People Magazineaccessed 10/30/2025
- ^ Shanfeld, Ethan (October 14, 2024). "Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson to Star in 'Song Sung Blue' Musical Film About Neil Diamond Tribute Band". Variety. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ Blevins, Adam (December 11, 2024). "Hugh Jackman's Next Musical Just Got a Melodic Filming Update". Collider. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ "Amy Vincent Resume" (PDF). Artistry. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ Blackwelder, Carson (June 13, 2025). "One Life to Live Alum Erika Slezak Set to Join General Hospital This Fall: A 'Daytime Legend'". People. People Inc. ISSN 0093-7673. OCLC 794712888. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ MSG.Com Events Radio City Event Listingaccessed 10/30/2025
- ^ a b Pedersen, Erik (September 10, 2025). "'Song Sung Blue' World Premiere To Close AFI Fest First Look". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
- ^ Film Fest Scad Listing Savannah Film Festival Listingaccessed 10/30/2025
- ^ FilmMusicReporteraccessed 12/12/2025
- ^ "Song Sung Blue". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 22, 2025.
- ^ Neglia, Matt (November 4, 2025). "The 2025 Gotham Awards Will Present Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson With The Inaugural Musical Tribute Award For "Song Sung Blue"". Next Best Picture. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
- ^ Neglia, Matt (November 5, 2025). "The 2025 Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) Nominations". Next Best Picture. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
- ^ "Honored guests | Filmfest". filmfest.scad.edu. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ Giana Levy (December 9, 2025). "Kate Hudson to Receive Icon Honor at Palm Springs International Film Awards (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
- ^ "Nominations - Golden Globes".