I love rock music. Please give me the raw punch of Steppenwolf, the thunder of AC/DC, or even Neil Diamond's velvet voice any day of the week. However, I have to confess: I’m absolutely exhausted by musical biopics. They all seem to follow the same tired formula: rise to fame, struggle with addiction, seek redemption, and then roll the credits.
Yet, against all odds, the first trailer for Song Sung Blue manages to feel different—charming, even. It somehow has that spark. It's got that spark.
Serving as a heartfelt nod to the legendary Neil Diamond, Song Sung Blue stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in a story that blurs the line between tribute and drama. Released on Tuesday, Sept. 9, the trailer introduces us to Milwaukee Mike (Jackman) and Claire Sardina (Hudson), two struggling musicians who stumble into the spotlight after forming a band inspired by Diamond.
The film itself takes cues from Greg Koh's 2008 documentary of the same name, which chronicled the real-life Milwaukee duo Lightning & Thunder. Here, Jackman steps into the shoes of Mike, an insecure artist wrestling with his lack of originality, while Hudson embodies Claire, his onstage and offstage partner. Together, they weather the highs and lows of small-time fame, clinging to music as their lifeline.
My take? Sure, we've seen the "scrappy duo finds meaning through music" arc before, but the trailer oozes an odd warmth that makes it hard not to root for them. It's like watching a band play at your local dive bar. Messy, imperfect, but honest.
The stars behind the spotlight of Song Sung Blue
Jackman, fresh off the chaotic box office hit Deadpool & Wolverine, adds another musical notch to his already impressive belt, which includes Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman. Meanwhile, Kate Hudson continues her streak of versatile roles, with her Netflix series Running Point already renewed for a second season following its debut.
Honestly, seeing these two team up for a scrappy musical dramedy feels like a refreshing counterweight to the usual glossy biopic treatment.
Supporting cast and standout lines
The cast doesn't stop with Jackman and Hudson. We also get Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos), Ella Anderson (Henry Danger), King Princess, Mustafa Shakir (Luke Cage), Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens (Palmer), and Jim Belushi (yes, that Jim Belushi)
One of the trailer's standout moments is Jackman's character declaring:
“I’m not a songwriter. I’m not a sex symbol. I just want to entertain people.”
That line perfectly captures the tone of the film, a mix of humility, struggle, and the relentless drive to connect with an audience.
A Christmas release with universal appeal
Produced by Focus Features and directed by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow), Song Sung Blue is set to hit U.S. theaters on Christmas Day 2025. Universal Pictures will handle distribution.
This film combines musical energy, emotional depth, and a quirky homage to Neil Diamond. It's not just for die-hard Diamond fans; it's for anyone who believes that music—whether performed in stadiums or small-town bars—can give ordinary people a chance to be extraordinary
Song Sung Blue is slated for release on Dec. 25, 2025.