Trailer For SONG SUNG BLUE - Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson Form a Neil Diamond Tribute Band
The first trailer for Song Sung Blue has been released, and it looks like the kind of feel-good musical story that will leave audiences smiling. The film stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in a true-life tale about two struggling musicians who find a new spark in life by starting a Neil Diamond tribute band.
The official logline sets the stage: “Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it's never too late to find love and follow your dreams.”
In the trailer, Jackman’s Mike Sardina tells Hudson’s Claire Stengl, “I’m not a songwriter, I’m not a sex symbol — I just want to entertain people.” Claire doesn’t hesitate with her reply: “I don’t wanna be a hairdresser. I wanna sing, I wanna dance, I wanna garden, I want a cat.”
That spark quickly turns into something bigger. At one point, Mike holds up Neil Diamond’s Moods LP to his face and asks Claire what she thinks. Her response nails the heart of their journey: “You don’t want to be a Neil Diamond impersonator — you want to be a Neil Diamond interpreter.” To which Mike says, “I was looking for the right way to say it, and you just came right out and said it.”
From there, their band Lightning & Thunder is born, and they’re quick to clarify, don’t call them a cover band. This isn’t karaoke, it’s performance, complete with romance, big backstories, wild stage antics, and, of course, “Sweet Caroline” and its legendary “BAH-bah-bahhhhhs.”
The supporting cast includes Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, and Hudson Hensley, with appearances by Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi.
The film is written and directed by Craig Brewer, known for Coming 2 America and Dolemite Is My Name. Brewer also produces alongside John Davis and John Fox.
Back in April, Hudson shared her excitement about the project on Instagram, writing, “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.”
Song Sung Blue is set to hit theaters on Christmas Day, courtesy of Focus Features. I’ll be looking forward to watching this one!