Song Sung Blue (film)

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Song Sung Blue
Song Sung Blue Official Poster, Nov 2025.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Craig Brewer
Written byCraig Brewer
Based onSong Sung Blue
by Greg Kohs
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography Amy Vincent
Edited byBilly Fox
Music by Scott Bomar
Production
company
Distributed by Focus Features
Release dates
  • October 26, 2025 (2025-10-26)(AFI Film Festival)
  • December 25, 2025 (2025-12-25)(United States)
Running time
132 minutes [1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

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 titular documentary film 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.

Contents

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.

Cast

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. [3] 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. [4]

Principal photography began on October 14, 2024, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. [5] A house in Old Tappan, New Jersey was another significant film location. Filming wrapped on December 11. [6] Amy Vincent was the cinematographer. [7] It was announced in June 2025 that Erika Slezak would be in the film. [8]

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. [9] Song Sung Blue had its world premiere at the AFI Film Festival on October 26, 2025. [10] The film also screened at the Savannah Film Festival on October 30, 2025. [11]

Jackman and filmmaker Craig Brewer traveled to Milwaukee, WI 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, WI location on December 2nd, 2025. Jackman and Brewer later attended a showing at the Oriental Theatre (Milwaukee).

The film will be released theatrically in the United States on December 25, 2025 by Focus Features. [10]

Music

Reception

Critical response

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 83% of 18 critics' reviews are positive. [12]

Accolades

AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
Gotham Independent Film Awards December 1, 2025 Musical Tribute Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Won [13]
Hollywood Music in Media Awards November 19, 2025Music Themed Film, Biopic or Musical Craig Brewer Nominated [14]
Savannah Film Festival October 30, 2025Spotlight Director AwardWon [15]

References

  1. ↑ "Song Sung Blue (2026)". Irish Film Classification Office . November 21, 2025. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  2. ↑ Dudek, Duane (September 12, 2008). "Documentary follows pair's tragic romance". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  3. ↑ Gomez, Dessi (October 14, 2024). "Hugh Jackman And Kate Hudson Board 'Song Sung Blue' For Focus Features". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  4. ↑ People Magazine Diamond Song Sung Blue People Magazineaccessed 10/30/2025
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ Blevins, Adam (December 11, 2024). "Hugh Jackman's Next Musical Just Got a Melodic Filming Update". Collider . Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Amy Vincent Resume" (PDF). Artistry. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  8. ↑ 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.
  9. ↑ MSG.Com Events Radio City Event Listingaccessed 10/30/2025
  10. 1 2 Pedersen, Erik (September 10, 2025). "'Song Sung Blue' World Premiere To Close AFI Fest First Look". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  11. ↑ Film Fest Scad Listing Savannah Film Festival Listingaccessed 10/30/2025
  12. ↑ "Song Sung Blue". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  13. ↑ 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.
  14. ↑ Neglia, Matt (November 5, 2025). "The 2025 Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) Nominations". Next Best Picture. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Honored guests | Filmfest". filmfest.scad.edu. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
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