Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson opened up about the unique lessons they learned from each other while filming the new biographical musical drama, Song Sung Blue. The film, which centers on the story of real-life entertainers Mike “Lightning” Sardinia and Claire “Thunder” Sardinia, brings the Hugh Jackman Song Sung Blue narrative to audiences just ahead of its highly anticipated holiday release.
Exploring Connections Behind the Scenes of Song Sung Blue
Song Sung Blue casts Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as a married couple, depicting the journey of two tribute performers deeply involved in the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder. The movie, directed by Craig Brewer—known for Dolemite Is My Name—features a strong ensemble with Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, Fisher Stevens, Beth Malone, King Princess, and Jim Belushi joining the leads. Production brought together artists from various backgrounds, nurturing a collaborative environment that was evident both on and off camera.
The real-life camaraderie between Jackman and Hudson, as seen through their engaging interactions during the film’s press tour, played a vital role in building the authentic chemistry showcased in their performances. The pair’s relationship, which translated naturally from their personal rapport to their characters on screen, was put in the spotlight at several industry events.
The duo received the inaugural Gotham Musical Tribute at the 35th annual Gotham Film Awards in New York City. This acknowledgment, awarded by the Gotham Film & Media Institute, was accompanied by positive remarks from the organization’s Executive Director, Jeffrey Sharp, who said,
“Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman deliver performances in Song Sung Blue that are at once powerful, intimate, and deeply human.”
— Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director, Gotham Film & Media Institute
Hugh Jackman’s Newfound Appreciation for Hudson’s Approach
Despite his extensive background in musical films such as Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman, Hugh Jackman credited Kate Hudson with expanding his understanding of screen acting during production. He was particularly struck by Hudson’s nuanced method, combining meticulous preparation with an ability to respond intuitively in the moment.
Jackman remarked,
“I learned a lot from Kate. I learned about acting on film, actually. I’ve done almost 50 films, but, somehow, working with Kate — it’s a very difficult thing to describe — but the mixture of being prepared and just being instinctive is a really fine line and no one does it better than Kate Hudson.”
— Hugh Jackman, Actor
He continued, emphasizing the lessons he took from moments when Hudson advocated for creative decisions on set:
“Being with her, I learned and I think I became a better actor. Also, there were two key moments where she stuck up for the film, which was inconvenient for timing and everyone, but both of the moments are key moments in the movie now. So, it’s sort of that idea of picking your battles, knowing when you need to just really say, ‘No I disagree.’ And I learned that from Kate, because she’s the sweetest, nicest, kindest, always great. So when Kate Hudson says, ‘I think this is a mistake, I think we should go left and not right,’ everyone stops and listens.”
— Hugh Jackman, Actor
Jackman’s praise, given his stature as an acclaimed musical performer, speaks volumes about Hudson’s influence and the respect between the co-stars. The mutual admiration reflected a working relationship rooted in trust and creativity, drawing the attention of both colleagues and the wider entertainment community.
Kate Hudson Celebrates Jackman’s Talent for Connecting With Others
While Jackman focused on Hudson’s acting skills, Kate Hudson directed her admiration toward Jackman’s remarkable ability to foster meaningful connections on set. She viewed this interpersonal quality as his defining strength, contributing not only to the film’s collaborative spirit but also to the well-being of everyone involved in the project.
Hudson explained,
“Hugh, his superpower is to connect. Whether it’s on stage, whether it’s on set, whether it’s with anyone and everyone — he just wants to connect and he wants to make sure that everyone’s happy. I learned that one of the great gifts you can give people is that you actually have a desire to connect to them.”
— Kate Hudson, Actress
Turning to Jackman directly on the red carpet, Hudson added,
“I think you give that to everybody — even though I’m sure it takes a lot from you. You’re like a masseuse who’s constantly giving energy to other people, and needs energy for you.”
— Kate Hudson, Actress
Their warmth and genuine appreciation for one another set a positive tone during the awards event, as both displayed humility in response to praise from co-stars and the growing Oscar speculation surrounding the project.
With a history of musical roles herself, such as her appearance in the 2009 musical Nine, Hudson is no stranger to this genre. Despite her own achievements, she remains grounded, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of awards season as she expressed,
“You never know with these things. I’ve been around now long enough to know just to enjoy that people are really loving the movie. And just, you know, show up to where they tell me to go.”
— Kate Hudson, Actress
Release Date and Continued Anticipation
With Hugh Jackman Song Sung Blue poised to premiere in the United States on Christmas Day, the film’s emotionally resonant performances and dynamic cast have fueled considerable anticipation. The experiences and mutual admiration shared by Jackman and Hudson have contributed to the film’s momentum, drawing attention from both critics and audiences.
Song Sung Blue’s portrayal of the lives of entertainers resonates not only through its storytelling but also through the behind-the-scenes stories of learning, growth, and connection among its acclaimed cast. As the release approaches, interest remains high in how the chemistry between Jackman and Hudson—and the lessons they took from one another—will be reflected on screen, with many wondering how the film’s debut will impact awards season and inspire future musical dramas.
