Neil Diamond was deeply moved after seeing Song Sung Blue for the first time, according to the film’s writer and director Craig Brewer. The PG-13 musical drama, starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, opened in theaters nationwide on December 25, 2025.
Song Sung Blue tells the real-life story of Mike and Claire Sardina, a Milwaukee couple who found regional fame in the 1990s and early 2000s with their Neil Diamond tribute band, Lightning & Thunder. Jackman and Hudson portray the couple, whose journey is marked by both personal triumph and heartbreak. The film is inspired by Greg Kohs’ 2008 documentary of the same name.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Brewer revealed that although he did not watch the film with Diamond, he took steps to ensure he would hear an honest reaction.
“I was not in the room with him, but I had a few spies,” Brewer said.
“I had also been prepped that Neil does not get effusively enthusiastic or into movies. He watches them, he studies them — that’s what I was told.”
Despite those expectations, Diamond’s response reportedly exceeded all hopes. Brewer said members of the singer’s team were surprised by how emotionally engaged he became during the screening.
“I was told from his people that they were surprised to see just how enthusiastic he started to get with it,” Brewer said.
“That he was tapping his foot, that he would applaud after each music number, and that he cried.”
According to Brewer, the reaction didn’t end there.
“He went up to the projectionist, or the person who was running the screening, and when they introduced themselves to him, he said, ‘Okay, well, when’s the next screening? Can we watch it again?’”
Diamond’s extensive catalog — including “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “I Am… I Said,” “America,” “Heartlight,” and “Song Sung Blue” — features prominently in the film’s musical backbone.
In addition to Jackman and Hudson, the cast includes Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi.
Song Sung Blue is currently playing in theaters nationwide.
