Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Strike Gold in Neil Diamond Musical

Mia Reynolds, 4/23/2025Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star in "Song Sung Blue," a heartfelt Neil Diamond musical about a couple's tribute act. Directed by Craig Brewer, the film explores authentic performance in a world of manufactured content. Set for a Christmas 2025 release, it promises touching themes and standout performances.

"Song Sung Blue," hitting theaters Christmas Day 2025, dives into the real-life story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a married couple whose Neil Diamond tribute act became something of a minor phenomenon. Sure, tribute acts aren't exactly breaking new ground these days, but there's something genuinely special about this particular slice of Americana that director Craig Brewer has managed to capture.

The casting feels almost too perfect. Jackman (fresh off his buzzed-about return as Wolverine) steps back into musical territory for the first time since "The Greatest Showman" lit up theaters back in 2017. Hudson, meanwhile, brings her own musical heritage – not to mention that Oscar-nominated turn in "Almost Famous" – to the role of Claire. The chemistry between them practically jumps off the screen, at least according to early industry whispers.

"Loved every second making this beautiful film," Hudson gushed on Instagram, praising her "work husband" Jackman and Brewer's direction. That enthusiasm seems genuine, especially given the caliber of talent involved behind the scenes.

Speaking of talent – the supporting cast is stacked. Michael Imperioli (riding high after that Emmy win) brings his considerable chops to the mix, while Fisher Stevens adds another layer of gravitas. Then there's the fascinating addition of indie darling King Princess and the ever-magnetic Mustafa Shakir rounding things out. Not too shabby for a movie about Diamond covers, right?

Brewer's involvement feels particularly significant. After knocking it out of the park with "Hustle & Flow" and "Dolemite Is My Name," he's developed quite the knack for stories about outsiders finding their voice through performance. His connection to the material runs deep – he'll even be signing posters at his local Malco theater on opening day, keeping up a personal tradition that speaks volumes about his commitment to community.

The source material, Greg Kohs' 2008 documentary of the same name, provides a solid foundation. But this adaptation seems poised to dig deeper, exploring themes that feel particularly relevant as we head into 2025. In an age where AI-generated content threatens to overshadow human creativity, there's something refreshingly authentic about celebrating people who pour their hearts into performance – even when they're performing someone else's songs.

Focus Features clearly sees something special here. A Christmas Day release slot doesn't come easy, but with Jackman's "Deadpool & Wolverine" momentum still going strong and early awards chatter starting to build, "Song Sung Blue" might just be the sleeper hit of the holiday season.

The timing couldn't be better. As audiences grow increasingly skeptical of manufactured content, here comes a story that celebrates the pure, unvarnished joy of performance. It's about finding your voice, even if that voice happens to be singing "Sweet Caroline" in a tribute show. Sometimes the most authentic thing you can do is admit who you're trying to be.

Hollywood's latest feel-good story just might be its most surprising yet. This Christmas, Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are teaming up to bring an unexpectedly touching tale to the silver screen – and yeah, it involves Neil Diamond covers."Song Sung Blue," hitting theaters Christmas Day 2025, dives into the real-life story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a married couple whose Neil Diamond tribute act became something of a minor phenomenon. Sure, tribute acts aren't exactly breaking new ground these days, but there's something genuinely special about this particular slice of Americana that director Craig Brewer has managed to capture.The casting feels almost too perfect. Jackman (fresh off his buzzed-about return as Wolverine) steps back into musical territory for the first time since "The Greatest Showman" lit up theaters back in 2017. Hudson, meanwhile, brings her own musical heritage – not to mention that Oscar-nominated turn in "Almost Famous" – to the role of Claire. The chemistry between them practically jumps off the screen, at least according to early industry whispers."Loved every second making this beautiful film," Hudson gushed on Instagram, praising her "work husband" Jackman and Brewer's direction. That enthusiasm seems genuine, especially given the caliber of talent involved behind the scenes.Speaking of talent – the supporting cast is stacked. Michael Imperioli (riding high after that Emmy win) brings his considerable chops to the mix, while Fisher Stevens adds another layer of gravitas. Then there's the fascinating addition of indie darling King Princess and the ever-magnetic Mustafa Shakir rounding things out. Not too shabby for a movie about Diamond covers, right?Brewer's involvement feels particularly significant. After knocking it out of the park with "Hustle & Flow" and "Dolemite Is My Name," he's developed quite the knack for stories about outsiders finding their voice through performance. His connection to the material runs deep – he'll even be signing posters at his local Malco theater on opening day, keeping up a personal tradition that speaks volumes about his commitment to community.The source material, Greg Kohs' 2008 documentary of the same name, provides a solid foundation. But this adaptation seems poised to dig deeper, exploring themes that feel particularly relevant as we head into 2025. In an age where AI-generated content threatens to overshadow human creativity, there's something refreshingly authentic about celebrating people who pour their hearts into performance – even when they're performing someone else's songs.Focus Features clearly sees something special here. A Christmas Day release slot doesn't come easy, but with Jackman's "Deadpool & Wolverine" momentum still going strong and early awards chatter starting to build, "Song Sung Blue" might just be the sleeper hit of the holiday season.The timing couldn't be better. As audiences grow increasingly skeptical of manufactured content, here comes a story that celebrates the pure, unvarnished joy of performance. It's about finding your voice, even if that voice happens to be singing "Sweet Caroline" in a tribute show. Sometimes the most authentic thing you can do is admit who you're trying to be.