Hugh Jackman, the star of the musical drama Song Sung Blue, has expressed his admiration for Dublin audiences, declaring them to be "the best" he has encountered in all his performances across the globe. This beloved Australian actor and singer, along with Hollywood icon Kate Hudson, is featured in a film directed by Craig Brewer, which draws inspiration from the remarkable true story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a couple facing hardships who found solace and purpose as members of a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder.
In a conversation with RTÉ Entertainment, alongside Hudson and Brewer, Jackman reminisced about his experience performing in Dublin during his world tour for The Man. The Music. The Show. back in May 2019. He joyfully remarked that if he ever brought his Song Sung Blue team to Ireland, he would love to take them on a road trip around the country. "I just did a film in Belfast, which I absolutely loved, and we filmed all around, and that was incredible," Jackman shared. "But I have performed in Dublin, and out of all the places I’ve visited worldwide, that’s the best audience. Now I'm going to upset everyone else who might disagree!"
Kate Hudson chimed in, sharing her own fondness for Ireland, particularly its stunning west coast, while director Craig Brewer, known for his work on films like Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name, revealed that an iconic Irish film from the 1990s greatly influenced him during the making of Song Sung Blue. "I want to give a special mention to the film that inspired me while working on Song Sung Blue—it’s called The Commitments. It's one of my all-time favorites," Brewer enthusiastically stated.
To fully appreciate the outstanding true story behind Song Sung Blue, it’s best to go into the film with minimal prior knowledge. Brewer was motivated to adapt this tale for the screen after watching Greg Kohs' 2008 documentary that shares the same title. "I remember sitting in a nearly empty theater, captivated by the Sardinas and their struggles—I felt so inspired by them. At that moment, I thought, 'This deserves to be a movie,'" he recounted.
He continued, "I envisioned a film that encompassed everything I love—lots of music paired with authentic narratives about working-class individuals striving to achieve their dreams. We used to see many films like that, but it feels like we've drifted away from them. I recognized this as a fantastic opportunity to tell a truly great American dream story."
Despite his usual tendency to be "very indecisive," Jackman did not hesitate to join the project. "Craig and I had a discussion, and at the time there wasn’t even a script yet, but after watching the documentary, I was sold right away," he shared. "Once the script arrived, it elevated everything. I adore this underdog narrative—Mike's persistence, his passion for performance, and the profound love he has for his partner resonate deeply with me. I simply love this love story."
Hudson has notably received considerable recognition for her portrayal of Claire Sardina, contributing to significant award buzz surrounding her performance. She was nominated for Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy at the Golden Globes, a prestigious indication of potential Oscar nominations. The actress and singer, who launched her debut album Glorious in 2024, expressed her excitement about finally collaborating with Brewer.
"Scripts like this don’t come around too often. Getting the chance to showcase my acting and singing abilities within one film is nothing short of a dream—it’s a rare opportunity," she remarked. "I had faith in Craig’s ability to bring this story to life without letting it veer off course, which is why I felt incredibly grateful that this project came to fruition."
The film's success hinges on the stellar vocal performances from both Jackman and Hudson, who sang live together in many beautifully crafted concert scenes throughout the film. Jackman, known for his acclaimed roles in productions such as Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman, admitted feeling a bit anxious before their first duet, saying, "In a way, it mirrors Mike and Claire's dynamic. Mike held Claire’s voice in such high regard, and I feel the same way about Kate’s voice." He added with a laugh, "I did get held back at recording sessions for some extra practice!"
Hudson responded, "I was nervous too! While I enjoy meeting new people, the real concern was how we would connect musically. I’m very tactile—I could end up sitting on his lap immediately! I wondered how our chemistry would play out and how our voices would blend."
Fortunately, their initial fears faded quickly, and they found it easy and enjoyable to work together. "He’s an Aussie; he’s easy to connect with," Hudson commented.
One heartfelt moment came when Neil Diamond called Jackman in tears after viewing the movie for the first time. His approval was immensely significant for both the cast and crew. "This film is essentially a love letter to him and his music, so naturally, we wanted his blessing. But Neil has always been supportive of Mike and Claire’s journey," Jackman explained. "He said to me, 'Remember, I’m just a kid from Brooklyn who didn’t foresee becoming Neil Diamond. I could easily have been Mike, performing at a local bar.' That really resonated."
Brewer added, "Neil Diamond and Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam have been incredible advocates for Mike and Claire Sardina. Without Neil’s support and access to his music catalog, we wouldn't have been able to create this film. It’s commendable that these two prominent musicians have rallied behind fans who are genuinely passionate about their work."
Song Sung Blue will hit cinemas on January 1st. If you’re eager for more updates on upcoming films, click here.
