With credits that include his work on Prime Video’sModern Loveand his work onSing Street,John Carneyis setting the stage for his next directorial endeavour with his upcoming musical comedy,Power Ballad. 30WEST and Anthony Bregman’s Likely Story are the brains behind the film which has castPaul Rudd (Ant-Man)andNick Jonas(Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle). The film certain to be a hotly contested one at the Cannes market this month even as filming is underway in Dublin.Power Balladis described as an"uplifting music-driven story"that follows a wedding singer portrayed by Rudd, a rock star (Jonas), and the song that comes between them.
The casting of Jonas and Rudd inPower Balladadds to what has been a recently busy period for Rudd in particular. The Golden Globe and SAG Award-nominated actor is currently starring inGhostbusters: Frozen Empirewhich has grossed over $188 million alomgsideMcKenna GraceandEmily Alyn Lind. While he also takes a break from theAnt-Manfranchisewhere he plays the titular hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Rudd has recently starred inOnly Murders In The BuildingalongsideSteve Martin,Martin Short,Selena GomezandMeryl Streep.
The script forPower Balladis written by Carney andPeter McDonald(The Bachelor Weekend). Regarding the upcoming musical comedy, theOncedirector said, “I’m delighted to be working with so many great people.” Adding, “I’ve been working on this script with my buddy Peter for years, and now Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas are in my kitchen.” Carney as a director has experience in merging music into storytelling and this was relevant in bringing him onboard. “We are so excited to bring John Carney’s next film to Cannes.John has a magic ability to weave great music into wonderfully engaging and universally relatable stories that make audience emotions run high,” saidAlex Waltonof WME Independent.
Carney is Gifted in Musical Drama
Power Balladwill have Bregman andPeter Cronproduce for Likely Story withRobert WalpoleandRebecca O’Flanaganfor Treasure Entertainment, alongside Carney. Carney is a specialist in the field of musical drama and comedy films, with aprime example of his ablitity showing forth inOnce, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song; Begin Again. It is this unique skillset Walton hopes to tape into when Carney takes the reins withPower Ballad. “Power Balladis fun and heartwarming– themes that audiences crave today," Walton said, adding, “His [Carney] unique vision, coupled with the global appeal of Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, will give buyers exactly what they’re looking for.”
Power Balladdoes not have a release date yet. Stay tuned to Collider for updates.
