"I just want to sing, and I want to shine!" Focus Features has just unveiled the first official trailer for the film *Song Sung Blue*, a heartwarming comedy rooted in the true story of a Neil Diamond cover duo. Directed by the talented Craig Brewer (known for *Hustle & Flow*, *Black Snake Moan*, and *Footloose*), this fictionalized adaptation draws inspiration from the documentary of the same name. It chronicles the extraordinary journey of Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee-based husband-and-wife Neil Diamond tribute act, as they experience both meteoric success and heart-wrenching setbacks on their musical odyssey together.
This feel-good musical film stars the charismatic Hugh Jackman and the radiant Kate Hudson as Mike Sardina and Claire Sardina. Based on a real-life tale, it follows two struggling musicians who come together to form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving that it's never too late to find love and chase your dreams. The stellar cast also includes Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, along with Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi. This promises to be an absolute blast! Uplifting and wholesome, even if it leans a bit towards the cheesy side, it perfectly captures the exhilarating fun of pursuing one's passions. "This Christmas, dream huge," the film seems to whisper.
The narrative delves into the authentic story of Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire Sardina (Kate Hudson), a pair of down-on-their-luck musicians from Milwaukee who rose to local fame by performing as the Neil Diamond tribute band, "Lightning & Thunder." *Song Sung Blue* is brought to life by the acclaimed American filmmaker Craig Brewer, whose previous directorial credits include *The Poor & Hungry*, *Hustle & Flow*, *Black Snake Moan*, *Footloose*, *Dolemite Is My Name*, and *Coming 2 America*. The screenplay, penned by Brewer himself, is based on the 2008 documentary film of the same name by Greg Kohs, who also serves as the producer. Executive producers include Craig Brewer, John Davis, John Fox, and Erika Hampson.
Focus Features is set to premiere Brewer's *Song Sung Blue* in select US theaters starting December 25th, 2025, on Christmas Day, adding a touch of musical magic to the holiday season later this year.
