Hugh Jackman has unveiled a dramatic physical transformation in the trailer for his new film Song Sung Blue, adopting the late 1970s look of a Neil Diamond impersonator and performing note‑perfect renditions of Diamond hits.
The 56-year-old posted the trailer to his Instagram account on Tuesday and described the film as “a love story” about “second chances, family, hardship, great love and chasing your dreams,” adding that the project is “a Christmas gift (with popcorn).” The movie is scheduled for release in the holiday season.
In the preview, Jackman appears as Mike Sardina, a down-on-his-luck Milwaukee musician who joins forces with Claire, played by Kate Hudson, to form a Neil Diamond tribute double act called Lightning & Thunder. Scenes shown in the trailer include Jackman performing hits such as "Sweet Caroline," a tearful exchange with Hudson’s character and a dance sequence filmed in the character’s underwear.
Song Sung Blue is written and directed by Craig Brewer and is based on Greg Koh’s 2008 documentary of the same name, which chronicled a real‑life married couple who found hometown fame by impersonating 1970s stars. The film’s narrative follows the couple’s stage partnership and the personal struggles that shadow their performances, including trauma and alcohol abuse.
The cast also includes Michael Imperioli, Jim Belushi and Fisher Stevens. The title is a reference to Neil Diamond’s 1972 single "Song Sung Blue," which figures into the film’s musical and thematic framework.
Jackman, best known for roles including Wolverine and for his stage work, has frequently showcased singing and dancing in his career; the trailer highlights those skills in a role that requires close imitation of Diamond’s vocal style and stage persona. Hudson, who released her debut album in 2024, portrays the other half of the tribute act and is shown sharing both performance and dramatic moments with Jackman in the footage.
Brewer, whose previous credits include the 2011 remake of Footloose, leads the project that aims to blend musical performance with intimate drama. The trailer frames the film as a study of relationships tested by ambition and addiction while also foregrounding the nostalgia of tribute performance.
The film’s holiday release positions it amid awards‑season prospects and festive box‑office competition. No specific release date beyond the holiday season has been announced. The trailer’s debut on Jackman’s social platforms is the first extended look at the film and sets expectations for its musical focus and tonal balance between comedy, romance and darker personal themes.