Paul Rudd spent plenty of time soaking up Irish life while filming Power Ballad, and according to director John Carney, the Hollywood star proved to be the perfect house guest.
Speaking to Extra.ie at the world premiere of Power Ballad at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Sunday, Carney recalled just how comfortable Rudd became during production.
‘It was incredible,’ he remarked, recalling the Antman star’s first visit to his home.
‘Then Paul Rudd, the Ruddster comes in and then he brings his wife over to our house and she’s cleaning the dishes in our kitchen and filling the dishwasher.
‘I’m like, okay, I don’t know how that happened, but it was brilliant. It was absolutely great,’ he said in disbelief to Extra.ie.
Carney also praised Rudd’s co-star Nick Jonas, saying: ‘It was amazing to see Nick Jonas rocking in Dublin, in Ringsend, singing songs.’
Filmed in Ireland and featuring a mix of Irish and international talent, Power Ballad is the latest musical comedy from Carney.
The story follows Rick (Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer who crosses paths with Danny (Jonas), a fading boyband star.
After bonding over music during a late-night jam session, the pair form an unlikely friendship — only to discover the encounter changes both of their lives in unexpected ways.
For Rudd, the role offered something new creatively.
‘This was a really fun character to play. It was different for me. I did things in this I’ve never been able to do before, which was exciting and challenging and I just like the character. I think he’s fighting the good fight,’ he told Extra.ie.
The actor also embraced his time in Ireland between filming commitments.
‘Practicing music, recording music. I didn’t have that much time off, but when a day would come around on a weekend or something, I would try and you know, go walk around town and go to some restaurants, go to a few pubs, see some friends.’
