Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd are teaming up in a new music-driven comedy-drama, and they are not just acting. They are singing, too.
The pair star in “Power Ballad,” a film that blends music, humor and emotion while putting both actors front and center as performers. Nick Jonas brings his real-life music background into the role, while Paul Rudd steps into a more unexpected musical lane.
Directed by John Carney, known for “Once” and “Sing Street,” the film follows two musicians at very different stages in their careers whose paths cross in a way that changes everything. According to People, Rudd plays Rick, a struggling wedding singer, while Jonas plays Danny, a former boy band star trying to find his footing again.
Their connection begins during a late-night jam session, where Rick shares a song he has been working on for years. The moment feels collaborative and genuine, as the two play the track together and bond over their shared love of music. But that same moment becomes the turning point of the story.
A Musical Bond That Turns Complicated
Things take a turn when Danny later releases the song as his own, transforming it into a hit that revives his career. Rick soon realizes the lyrics and melody are his, setting off a conflict that puts their friendship at risk.
As described in the film’s synopsis, the story unfolds when “Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career,” leading Rick to fight for the credit he believes he deserves. The film explores themes of ambition, creative ownership and recognition, all through a music-focused lens.
Before the fallout, the characters share a genuine connection. In a scene featured in the trailer, Rick encourages Danny by saying, “You’re not just some boy-band guy,” while Danny tells Rick, “And you’re too good for that wedding band.” That mutual respect makes the betrayal hit harder once the truth comes out.
A key moment comes when Rick hears the song playing publicly for the first time and realizes it has been released without him. The discovery pushes him to prove the work was originally his.
Early Buzz and Release Plans
“Power Ballad” has already generated strong early buzz. The film premiered at SXSW and earned a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, per Deadline, with critics praising its mix of humor and heart. Digital Spy reports that outlets like Variety have called it “terrific,” while The Hollywood Reporter described it as “utterly, thrillingly satisfying.”
The movie is set to open in limited theaters on May 29 before expanding nationwide on June 5, per Deadline. Ahead of its release, UK audiences will also have access to free screenings on May 26 and 27 through the Escapes initiative, which supports independent cinemas.
The supporting cast includes Havana Rose Liu, Jack Reynor, Peter McDonald and Sophie Vavasseur.
While Jonas leans into his musical roots, Rudd has been candid about the challenge. “I play guitar like actors play guitar… I’m not very good,” he said, per IndieLondon.
At its core, “Power Ballad” centers on one shared song and the fallout that follows. As the story makes clear, Rick is determined to reclaim “the recognition he believes he deserves.”
