With an all-star cast led by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, a soundtrack full of iconic Neil Diamondhits, and a moving true story at its heart, Song Sung Blue is easily one of the most-anticipated films of 2025. It’s based on the real-life story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a couple who becomes a beloved fixture in Milwaukee’s music scene as Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning & Thunder, before a devastating tragedy changes their family forever and threatens to end it all.
Song Sung Blue hits theaters nationwide on Christmas Day and marks Jackman’s first December 25th premiere since The Greatest Showman, which became a global phenomenon and 2018’s best-selling album in the world.
On Monday, Hudson garnered a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Song Sung Blue, which also features a stellar supporting cast—including Ella Anderson, Michael Imperioli, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi.
We have an exclusive first look at a never-before-seen clip from the film, where Mike (Jackman) proposes to Claire (Hudson) in the pouring rain. Watch the clip below—and don’t miss Song Sung Blue when it arrives in theaters on Dec. 25.
Here’s everything else to know about the film, including the official trailers and more details on the star-studded cast.
What is Song Sung Blue about?
Based on a true story, Song Sung Blue follows Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Kate Hudson) as they become a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder. The project takes them from a small garage—to dive bar glory—to an unlikely Milwaukee stardom. But when tragedy strikes, it’s the revelatory power of their love—for music and one another—that binds the pair and provides a path forward.
Who are Mike and Claire Sardina?
Mike and Claire Sardina are the real life people and Wisconsin natives who the film is based on. Claire Sardina is the real-life inspiration for Hudson’s character in the film, while Hugh Jackman channels Mike. In 1987, Claire auditioned for Mike’s band, but didn’t make the cut. Two years later, Mike contacted her and asked if she’d join his Neil Diamond tribute band. The single mom happily agreed and their band, Lightning & Thunder, was born.
Is Song Sung Blue based on other material?
Yes. Song Sung Blue is based on the 2008 documentary of the same name.
Who wrote Song Sung Blue?
Craig Brewer wrote the screenplay for Song Sung Blue.
Who directed Song Sung Blue?
Craig Brewer also directed Song Sung Blue.
Where was Song Sung Blue filmed?
Song Sung Blue was filmed in and around northern New Jersey.
What is Song Sung Blue rated?
Song Sung Blue is rated PG-13.
Who is Neil Diamond?
Neil Diamond is a popular American singer who began his professional career in the 1960s. He found mainstream popularity at the end of 1960s and early 1970s with “Song Sung Blue”, “Cracklin’ Rose”, and “Sweet Caroline”. In 2018, he retired from touring after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He has sold over 130 million records worldwide and has had 10 songs hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What songs is Neil Diamond best known for?
If you’ve ever been to a Boston Red Sox game, then you’ve probably heard “Sweet Caroline,” which is one of Diamond’s biggest hits. Some of his other No. 1 hits include “Cracklin’ Rose”, “America”, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” and of course, “Song Sung Blue”.
Who’s in the cast of Song Sung Blue?
Hugh Jackman (Mike)
Hugh Jackman is best known for his roles as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise and as P. T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman. Some of his other film credits include Paperback Hero, The Prestige, Kate & Leopold, Van Helsing and Les Miserables. He has hosted the Tony Awards four times and has also hosted the Academy Awards. He was nominated for a Tony for The Music Man and won one for The Boy from Oz.
Kate Hudson (Claire)
Hudson is probably best known for her roles in Almost Famous and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Some of her other credits include The Four Feathers, Alex & Emma and You, Me, and Dupree. Her parents are singer/musician Bill Hudson and actress Goldie Hawn. She has launched her own line of workout clothing, Fabletics in 2013. Most recently, she starred in the Netflix sports comedy series, Running Point.
Related:Kate Hudson, 46, Shares Advice on Motherhood with ‘Running Point’ Co-Star
Michael Imperioli (Mark)
Imperioli plays a Buddy Holly impersonator turned guitarist. He is best known for his role in The Sopranos and Goodfellas. He co-wrote Summer of Sam with Spike Lee as well as writing five episodes of The Sopranos. His more recent credits include Blue Bloods, Mad Dogs and The White Lotus.
Fisher Stevens (Dave)
Stevens came to prominence for his role in the Short Circuit films. He has won a Best Documentary Academy Award for producing The Cove. He is also known for his roles in Early Edition, The Blacklist and Succession. His other credits include The Grand Budapest Hotel, Hackers, and Reversal of Fortune.
Jim Belushi (Tom)
Belushi plays Lightning & Thunder’s manager, Tom. He is best known for his roles in According to Jim, Good Girls Revolt and K-9.
Related:Jim Belushi, 71, Comforts Stranger Over Shared Family Tragedy: ‘Class Act’
Erika Slezak (Frances)
Slezak plays Frances, Claire’s mother. She is best known for her role as Viki Lord on One Life to Live which she starred in from 1971 to 2012 and then again in the online revival in 2013.
Ella Anderson (Rachel)
Anderson plays Rachel, Claire’s daughter from her first marriage. Her previous roles include Henry Danger, Young Sheldon and Raising Hope.
King Princess (Angelina)
King Princess plays Angelina, Mike’s daughter from his first marriage. She is a successful singer/songwriter whose debut single, “1950” went platinum. She recently made her acting debut opposite Nicole Kidman in Nine Perfect Strangers.
Mustafa Shakir (Sex Machine)
Shakir is best known for his roles as John “Bushmaster” McIver in Luke Cage and Jet Black in Cowboy Bebop. His other credits include Jett, Timeless and NCIS: New Orleans.
Hudson Hensley (Dayna)
Hudson plays Dayna, Claire’s son from her first marriage. This is only Hensley’s second professional credit. His first was for the lead role in The Wildman of Shaggy Creek.
What is the release date for Song Song Blue?
Song Song Blue will be released in theatres on Dec. 25, 2025.
Is there a trailer for Song Song Blue?
Yes! Two trailers have been released for Song Sung Blue. Check them both out below.
Check out images from Song Sung Blue
Take a look at some select images from Song Sung Blue in the gallery below.
Song Sung Blue
Focus Features
Song Sung Blue / Focus FeaturesSarah Shatz/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Song Sung Blue / Focus Features
Song Sung Blue / Focus Features
Song Sung Blue / Focus Features
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the Movies section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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