John Carney's Power Ballad Starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas Scheduled for June 2026 Release

The upcoming film "Power Ballad," directed by John Carney and starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, is set for release on June 5, 2026, by Lionsgate. The movie tells the story of Rick, a washed-up wedding singer played by Rudd, who befriends fading boy-band star Danny, portrayed by Jonas; their bond over music leads to Danny turning one of Rick's songs into a hit that revitalizes his career, prompting Rick to seek the recognition he believes he deserves. Co-written by Carney and Peter McDonald, the film explores themes of music, friendship, ambition, self-respect, and the price of ambition. The cast also includes Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu, and Jack Reynor, with production involving Treasure Entertainment and Likely Story. Filmed in Dublin in summer 2024, the movie carries Carney's signature style of blending working-class struggles with musical narratives, promising a feel-good story with grounded realism. Both Rudd and Jonas, hailing from New Jersey, bring a personal connection to their roles, with Jonas currently touring with the Jonas Brothers and Rudd having a diverse acting career including Marvel's Ant-Man and recent comedy films.