Hugh Jackman is back in musicals with his new film Song Sung Blue. The movie premiered at the AFI Film Festival on October 26, 2025, and got strong early reviews. It’s a musical drama about a Milwaukee couple who start a Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder. The story is inspired by a 2008 documentary by Greg Kohs. Song Sung Blue will hit theaters on Christmas Day alongside other awards contenders.
Jackman stars as Mike, opposite Kate Hudson as his wife Claire. Their story of love, marriage, and music is at the heart of the film. Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi also appear. This is Craig Brewer’s first feature since Coming 2 America in 2021 and marks Jackman’s return to musicals almost a decade after The Greatest Showman.
Early reviews are positive. As of November 1, Song Sung Blue has an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 12 critics. This is higher than The Greatest Showman’s 58% and close to Deadpool & Wolverine’s 78%.
Kate Hudson is generating awards buzz, potentially for Best Actress, her first since Almost Famous in 2000. Jackman continues to build on his history in musicals, following his Oscar-nominated role in Les Misérables and success with The Greatest Showman.
